Sexually Transmitted Human Papillomaviruses: Current Concepts and Control Issues‪.‬

ABSTRACT: Sexually transmitted human papillomaviruses (HPV) are associated with condylomatous, dysplastic and malignant lesions of the cervix, vagina, vulva, anus, and external genitalia. Susceptibility to HPV and disease development are determined by HPV type, viral load, viral persistence, and immune status. This paper reviews current HPV concepts and control issues including the epidemiology, burden of infection, prevention, testing, and treatment of HPV. Goals for HPV control in Canada include determining and monitoring the prevalence of HPV infection, decreasing the incidence of HPV-associated diseases, and promoting HPV targeted basic science and clinical research. The development of vaccines holds promise for preventing the transmission and acquisition of this viral STD. Correspondence concerning this paper should be addressed to Alice Lytwyn, MDCM, FRCPC, Women's College Hospital, Department of Pathology, 76 Grenville Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 1B2. Tel: (416) 323-6140.