Human papillomavirus vaccine trials and tribulations

Human papillomavirus (HPV) affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide and is associated with both benign and malignant neoplasms in men and women. It is a double-stranded DNA virus with an icosahedral capsid. Forty HPV types are known to infect mucosal keratinocytes. If not cured by the immune system, the infection can lead to genital warts, mucosal dysplasia, or cancer. The most common oncogenic types are 16 and 18. The vaccine to prevent HPV and its associated morbidity and mortality has existed since 2006.

Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology - October 16, 2015 Category: Dermatology Authors: Marc Z. Handler, Nancy S. Handler, Slawomir Majewski, Robert A. Schwartz Tags: Continuing medical education Source Type: research