[Current knowledge about HPV infection].

OBJECTIVE

Overview of current data on HPV infection.

DESIGN

Review article.

SETTING

Clinic of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital in Ostrava, Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital in Hradec Králové, Clinic of Gynecology and Obstetrics, General University Hospital in Prague.

METHODS AND

RESULTS

Human papillomavirus is a sexually transmitted pathogen that causes anogenital disorders. Persistent viral infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes causes virtually all cancers of the cervix, 60% of vulvar cancers, 70% of vaginal cancers and 93% of anal cancers.

CONCLUSION

The discovery of oncogenic potential of HPV and knowledge about etiopathogenesis of HPV infection has enabled great advances in primary and secondary prevention of precancerous lesions and malignant diseases.