Human papillomavirus. Epidemiology, transmission, and pathogenesis.

Like many viruses, HPV is a fascinating organism. It is extremely difficult to grow in vitro; but once an individual becomes infected with HPV, it can be difficult or even impossible to eradicate. HPV is associated with mild to moderate disease that even in the absence of therapy may spontaneously regress. On the other hand, some HPV infections progress to cancer, which can be fatal if treatment is delayed. The reader is invited to learn more about the aspects of the biology, diagnosis, and treatment of HPV in the articles that follow.