Sexually Transmitted Human Papillomavirus

HPV is a common, highly transmissible STI. Although most infections clear spontane-ously within a few years, persistent low-risk strain infections cause most cases of AGWs, whereas persistent HR strains-particularly types 16 and 18-underly the vast majority of cervical cancer, as well as the less common anal, vulvar, vaginal, and penile cancers. Immunosuppression including HIV coinfection increases the risk of HPV-related diseases. Immunization in combination with screening campaigns for cervical cancer and anal cancer for at-risk populations show promise for preven-tion, as indicated by significant epidemiologic declines following screening implemen-tation and more so in the postvaccination era. However, global efforts are needed to bolster cervical screening and vaccine availability in regions where HPV-related dis-ease burden remains high-particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and Melanesia. More-over, as our understanding of anal cancer continues to evolve, research and advocacy are needed to develop anal cancer screening strategies for anal cancer pre-vention for populations at high risk.

Automated summary

HPV is a common, highly transmissible STI. Low-risk strain infections cause most cases of AGWs, while high-risk strains, especially types 16 and 18, are responsible for the majority of cervical cancer and other less common types of cancers. Immunization and screening campaigns have shown promise in prevention, with significant declines in HPV-related diseases. However, efforts are needed to improve cervical screening and vaccine availability in regions with high disease burden, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and Melanesia. Additionally, research and advocacy are necessary to develop anal cancer screening strategies for high-risk populations.