@Article{,
AUTHOR = {Rose I. Anorlu},
TITLE = {What is the significance of the HPV epidemic?},
JOURNAL = {Canadian Journal of Urology},
VOLUME = {15},
YEAR = {2008},
NUMBER = {1},
PAGES = {3860--3865},
URL = {http://www.techscience.com/CJU/v15n1/62324},
ISSN = {1488-5581},
ABSTRACT = {Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common
sexually transmitted infection. The incidence of this
infection has been on the rise in recent times.
It is estimated that approximately 6 million new HPV
infections are acquired each year in the United
States alone, and prevalence data suggest that as many
as 24 million American adults—that is, 1 in 5—may
be infected with HPV. Unfortunately, there is little
public awareness and knowledge about the infection
and its sequelae. It is well known that more than
90% of cases of anogenital warts are caused by
HPV. HPV has been implicated in cancers of the
cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, anus, and oropharynx.
The virus is a necessary cause of cervical cancer. HPV
DNA is detected in almost 100% of cases of cervical
cancer.<br/>
There have been major strides in recent years in the
prevention of this infection and consequently, of diseases
related to it. Vaccines are available and licensed in some
countries. Two HPV vaccines are available: a quadrivalent
(HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18) vaccine and a bivalent (HPV
types 16 and 18) vaccine. Both vaccines show a more than
90% protection against persistent HPV infection for up to
5 years after vaccination. The role of the vaccine in males is
still controversial.<br/>
The vaccination cost, however, is beyond the reach of
many individuals in developing countries where 80% of
cervical cancer cases of are found. Many countries in
Africa are battling with HIV, malaria, tuberculosis,
maternal mortality, and childhood illness. Nevertheless,
with increased awareness, political will, and engagement
by pharmaceutical countries, HPV vaccines may become
affordable in these countries.},
DOI = {}
}