Human papillomavirus infection.

The human papillomavirus, well known as the etiologic agent of warts, has recently received much attention in the medical literature for its association with various cancers. This article discusses the virology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, immunology, clinical manifestations, and therapy for human papillomavirus infection. Some newer techniques for identifying human papillomavirus in tissue, based on recent advances in molecular biology, are also covered. Two final topics addressed are human papillomavirus infection in the immunocompromised host, including patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, and the possible role of human papillomavirus in several different carcinomas.