Analysis of human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) DNA load and physical state for identification of HPV16-infected women with high-grade lesions or cervical carcinoma

摘要

Cervical cancer is a worldwide health concern, with approximately 493,000 new cases and 274,000 deaths in 2002. The causality link between human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and this cancer has been well established by molecular and epidemiological studies. HPVs belong to a family of circular double-stranded DNA viruses that are classified in terms of genus, species, and type. Papilloma-viruses associated with cervical diseases are found mainly among the alpha genus. These viruses can be divided into low- and high-risk HPV (HR-HPV), according to their on-cogenic potentials. In most cases, infection by HR-HPV is transient and cleared within 8 to 13 months and remains asymptomatic. Induction of an efficient and specific immune response that eliminates the virus and/or the infected cells likely plays a pivotal role in the control of HPV infection. Thus, while HPV genital infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection, cervical cancer is a rare consequence of an HR-HPV infection.