Search Results (80)

Background: The introduction of prophylactic HPV vaccination has transformed cervical cancer prevention worldwide, yet many low- and middle-income countries face persistent challenges in implementation, coverage gaps, and vaccine hesitancy. This article presents a narrative review of global and Brazilian HPV vaccination programs, highlighting achievements, pitfalls, and lessons for future strategies. Methods: We reviewed peer-reviewed literature and official reports from WHO, PAHO, CDC, Brazilian institutions, and others, focusing on programmatic performance, coverage trends, and vaccine acceptance. Results: In high-income settings such as Australia and the United Kingdom, school-based vaccination programs have driven sharp declines in HPV prevalence, genital warts, and precancerous lesions, in some cases approaching elimination thresholds. The United States has made progress but continues to struggle with disparities in uptake linked to socioeconomic and cultural factors. In India and several African nations, recent evidence supports single-dose regimens as a cost-effective and logistically feasible strategy. In Brazil, HPV vaccination was introduced in 2014 via the National Immunization Program (PNI), initially targeting girls aged 9–13 years through school campaigns. First-dose coverage exceeded 80% in the first year but subsequently declined, with full-schedule completion rates dropping below 60%. Contributing factors include misinformation, weakening of school-based delivery, and pandemic-related disruptions. Brazil later expanded eligibility to boys and immunocompromised populations and, more recently, extended catch-up vaccination to older adolescents. Conclusions: HPV vaccination has the potential to substantially reduce cervical cancer incidence globally. However, sustained impact depends not only on infrastructure and universal access but also on consistent school-based delivery, adaptive policies such as single-dose regimens, and robust communication strategies to counter misinformation. Brazil’s experience offers both inspiration and caution, providing lessons for countries striving to meet the WHO 90-70-90 targets. Full article

Vulvar viral infections such as condyloma acuminata, genital herpes, molluscum contagiosum, and Lipschütz ulcers span both sexually and non-sexually transmitted diseases and affect patients across all age groups. Lesions may present as papules, verrucous growths, or painful ulcers, often causing functional impairment and significant psychosocial distress. A multidisciplinary strategy that integrates epidemiology, precise diagnostics, individualized therapy, and psychological support is essential to optimize outcomes. We performed a structured literature search in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science using terms “vulvar viral infection,” “HPV,” “HSV,” “molluscum contagiosum,” and “Lipschütz ulcers.” International guidelines from the UK, Europe, and Australia were reviewed, alongside reference lists of key articles. Particular attention was given to paradoxical presentations, pediatric considerations, and cost-effectiveness analyses. HPV vaccination programs have markedly reduced anogenital warts, while early PCR/NAAT for HSV accelerates targeted antiviral therapy. First-line treatments like oral acyclovir/famciclovir for HSV and topical imiquimod or podophyllotoxin (±cryotherapy) for HPV are supported by adjunctive measures for self-limiting conditions. Host factors (hormonal cycles, immune status) and local irritants modulate recurrence risk, informing anticipatory suppressive regimens and barrier-reinforcing care. Validated patient-reported outcome measures (VPAQ, DLQI, FSFI) capture pain, sexual function, and quality-of-life impacts. Health–economic evaluations underscore the long-term value of rapid diagnostics and broad vaccination. Personalized, multidisciplinary management that combines prevention, precision diagnostics, tailored therapy, psychosocial support, and economic considerations offers the greatest promise for improving clinical and quality-of-life outcomes in patients with vulvar viral infections. We aim to outline best practices for the diagnosis and management of common vulvar viral infections, providing practical guidance for clinicians to improve recognition and therapeutic decision-making. Full article

Background: The objective of this study is to investigate the prevalence and epidemiological changes of major sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Korea over the past decade. Methods: From 2010 to 2021, patients diagnosed with STIs based on ICD-10 codes were analyzed using Korean Health insurance data. The analysis included the number of patients, prevalence, and age-specific prevalence (in 5-year intervals) over this period. We examined changes in disease patterns over time by analyzing the annual trends and age-specific prevalence of bacterial STIs such as chlamydia, mycoplasma, gonorrhea, and syphilis; viral STIs such as genital herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); and other infections including scabies, pubic lice, and trichomoniasis. Results: In 2010, the STI with the highest prevalence due to an infectious pathogen was trichomoniasis (256.65/100,000), while latent syphilis had the lowest prevalence (5.29/100,000). In 2021, the STI with the highest prevalence was genital herpes (254.54 per 100,000 persons), and latent syphilis continued to have the lowest prevalence. Bacterial STIs showed a decreasing trend. Viral STIs showed a continuous increase throughout the study period, with anogenital warts (AGW) having the highest rate of increase. Other infections showed a decreasing trend. HIV and AGW in men showed a rapid increase. Gender differences varied depending on the disease. Conclusions: While bacterial STIs have gradually declined, viral STIs have continued to increase during last decade. The characteristics of each pathogen vary according to age and gender, necessitating the establishment of risk groups for each pathogen and the development of prevention policies accordingly. Full article

Cutaneous warts caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) are among the most common dermatological conditions, affecting the quality of life of numerous people. Although they are widespread, effective and reliable treatment alternatives are limited, emphasizing the necessity for novel treatment options. Intralesional immunotherapy has emerged as a promising alternative, aiming to stimulate the host immune response to achieve the clearance of both treated and distant lesions. This review explores the immunopathogenesis of cutaneous warts and provides an in-depth analysis of intralesional therapies including measles–mumps–rubella (MMR) vaccine, purified protein derivative (PPD), Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG), Candida antigen, Mycobacterium w vaccine (MWV), vitamin D3, and autoinoculation. We provide a comprehensive analysis of the most promising modalities, highlighting their mechanism of action, outcomes, advantages, and limitations. Although initial data indicate that intralesional immunotherapy offers advantageous efficacy and tolerability, there is a lack of standardized treatment protocols and randomized controlled trials to endorse its broad application. Nevertheless, considering its potential to address local and distant lesions with minimal adverse effects, intralesional immunotherapy may represent a transformative approach to managing cutaneous warts. Full article

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, affecting both men and women. However, in Serbia, the previous epidemiological and clinical research on HPV has primarily focused on women due to its established role in cervical cancer, while the data on HPV prevalence in men remain scarce. This study analyzed 634 samples from men (mean age: 30 years, SD = 9.98; range: 18–79) from between 2012 and 2024. Overall, 30.76% of the tested men were HPV–positive, with the highest percentage of cases being observed in those aged 25–29 years (32.82%). The most common genotypes were HPV 16 and HPV 31 (22.05% each), followed by HPV6 (20.51%), HPV 56, and HPV 52 (9.23% each). The prevalence of HPV was the highest in the samples from men with genital warts (40.77%). Among the available vaccines, the nonavalent Gardasil 9 provides the broadest protection, covering genotypes found in 82% of the HPV–positive cases identified in this study. Our findings underscore the importance of comprehensive HPV prevention and control measures for the male population, contributing to ongoing research efforts aimed at reducing the burden of HPV–associated diseases in our region. Increasing the vaccination coverage among Serbian men could substantially reduce the overall burden of HPV–related diseases in both sexes. Full article

Background/Objective: Condyloma acuminatum, also known as genital warts, results from infections of the basal epithelium or mucous membranes by human papillomavirus (HPV). These lesions can significantly impact patients’ quality of life. Recent advances in laser technology, particularly ablative lasers such as CO₂ and Erbium–YAG (Er:YAG), have introduced new treatment opportunities. The Er:YAG laser has gained recognition as a safe and effective treatment for viral warts. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Er:YAG laser treatment of male genital warts and to identify risk factors that might influence its effectiveness. Methods: A retrospective chart review of 102 patients who underwent Er:YAG laser wart removal between January 2019 and April 2024 was conducted. Results: Of the 102 patients, 61 (60%) achieved complete response by the 12-month follow-up visit. The response rates were significantly lower when there was a high number of sessions required for complete response, long duration between wart onset and laser treatment, high number of warts treated, positive smoking status, concurrent immunosuppressed state, or active metabolic disease. Conclusions: The Er:YAG laser is an effective method for treating recalcitrant warts. Various factors were shown to influence its efficacy. Full article

Podophyllotoxin (PPT) is commonly used for genital warts due to its antimitotic properties and relatively good accessibility since it can be extracted from plants in low-economy countries. However, due to relatively high toxicity, it cannot be used in a systematic way (intravenously). Thus, there is a need to find or create an equally effective derivative of PPT that will be less toxic. Natural PPT is a suitable and promising scaffold for the synthesis of its derivatives. Many of them have been studied in clinical and preclinical models. In this systematic review, we comprehensively assess the medical applications of PPT derivatives, focusing on their advantages and limitations in non-cancerous diseases. Most of the existing research focuses on their applications in cancerous diseases, leaving non-cancerous uses underexplored. To do that, we systematically reviewed the literature using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases from January 2013 to January 2025. In total, 5333 unique references were identified in the initial search, of which 44 were included in the quantitative synthesis. The assessment of the quality of eligible studies was undertaken using the PRISMA criteria. The risk of bias was assessed using a predefined checklist based on PRISMA guidelines. Each study was independently reviewed by two researchers to evaluate bias in study design, reporting, and outcomes. Our analysis highlights the broad therapeutic potential of PPT derivatives, particularly in antiviral applications, including HPV, Dengue, and SARS-CoV-2 infections. Apart from their well-known anti-genital warts activity, these compounds exhibit significant anti-inflammatory, antimitotic, analgesic, and radioprotective properties. For instance, derivatives such as cyclolignan SAU-22.107 show promise in antiviral therapies, while compounds like G-003M demonstrate radioprotective effects by mitigating radiation-induced damage. To build on this, our review highlights that PPT derivatives, apart from anti-genital warts potential, exhibit four key properties—anti-inflammatory, antimitotic, analgesic, and radioprotective—making them promising candidates not only for treating viral infections such as HPV, Dengue, and SARS-CoV-2 but also for expanding their therapeutic potential beyond cancerous diseases. In conclusion, while PPT derivatives hold great potential across various medical domains, their applications in non-cancerous diseases remain limited by the scarcity of dedicated research. Continued exploration of these compounds is essential to unlock their full therapeutic value. Full article

Background/Objectives: The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a prevalent sexually transmitted infection that is a known cause of morbidities such as genital warts and cancers of the cervix, anus, and oropharynx. Non-cervical HPV-related cancers have been a developing problem in North America, increasing in incidence by up to 225% in some instances over a span of two decades. Methods: This study investigated levels of awareness and knowledge of HPV, oropharyngeal cancer (OPC), and the HPV vaccine using a self-administered web-based survey designed specifically for this research. University students (n = 1005) aged 18–30 completed a 42-item questionnaire that included demographic information, awareness questions, and a series of “true/false/I don’t know” knowledge questions. Results: The data gathered revealed that participants had relatively high levels of awareness. However, many respondents had significant gaps in their knowledge of HPV, OPC, and the HPV vaccine. Collectively, the data indicate that awareness and knowledge of HPV and the value of vaccination may place younger individuals at risk for HPV-related infections. Conclusions: Although a relatively high level of awareness concerning HPV was observed, the gaps in knowledge suggest that further efforts are necessary to educate young adults. While all risk factors cannot be reduced, the present data may guide future efforts directed toward better education on HPV and related health concerns and associated risks. Full article

HPV-associated dermatological diseases include benign lesions like cutaneous warts and external genital warts. In addition, HPV infection is associated with the development of epithelial skin cancers, in particular cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). In contrast to anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers caused by mucosal HPV types of genus alpha papillomavirus, cSCC-associated HPV types belong to the genus beta papillomavirus. Currently available HPV vaccines that target mucosal HPV types associated with anogenital cancer and genital warts are type-specific and provide no cross-protection against beta HPV. When implementing vaccination to beta HPV to prevent skin tumors, it must be considered that acquisition of these HPV types occurs early in childhood and that the risk for cSCC increases with growing age and decreasing immune surveillance. Thus, individuals considered for beta HPV vaccination usually have pre-existing infection and are largely immunocompromised. On the other hand, worldwide increasing incidence rates of epithelial skin cancer reflect an urgent need for skin cancer prevention measures. Based on the pathogenic involvement of beta HPV, vaccination may represent a promising prevention strategy. Indeed, various procedures of prophylactic and therapeutic vaccination have been developed, and some of them have shown efficiency in animal models. Thus far, however, none of these vaccine candidates has been approved for application in humans. Full article

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection and plays a significant role in cervical, penile, anal, vaginal, vulvar, and oropharyngeal cancers as well as non-cancerous genital warts and genital dysplasia. In the United States, there are approximately 46,000 new HPV-related cancers a year. There is an effective vaccine to prevent over 90% of these cancers and other HPV-related diseases; however, those that are aged 18–26 have the lowest vaccine rates among eligible age groups. The objective of this study was to examine student knowledge and perceptions about HPV vaccine hesitancy in university students and their notions of barriers and facilitators for HPV vaccine uptake. We aimed to identify components for an evidence-based community-oriented educational intervention to increase HPV vaccination uptake. The researchers recorded 10 focus groups featuring students from a Northeastern United States university, aged 18–26, which were analyzed using grounded theory and inductive thematic analysis to identify recurring themes. The participants mentioned many barriers and facilitators for attaining the HPV vaccine, with health literacy being prominent for both. They demonstrated some knowledge of what HPV is and ways to avoid it. They also expressed a desire for further information and felt that the way in which this information is presented to the public is vital for increasing vaccine uptake and designing future interventions. In order to increase HPV vaccination rates in the general population and overcome barriers such as family, religious, and cultural values, it is important to emphasize the link between HPV and cancer and its preventative benefits. Full article

Viral outbreaks are common in the sport community. Data regarding the prevalence of plantar warts, genital warts, herpes simplex type 1 (herpes labialis), herpes zoster, and genital herpes in competitive swimmers are lacking in the literature. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of those viral infections among young competitive swimmers participating in Greek swimming clubs. Swimmers’ parents and adult swimmers were asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire. In total, 1047 swimmers enrolled in this study. The measured parameters included gender, age, times of infections, and seasons when athletes may be more susceptible to infections. Practicing information such as type of swimming facility, number of training years, average hours of daily training, behaviors in swimming practice, and sunlight exposure was also recorded. All infections showed a significant difference in relation to “age” and “years of training”. The gender significance was observed in herpes labialis (p = 0.016) and plantar warts (p = 0.05). The prevalence of all infections in swimmers who use outdoor facilities was higher. Certain behaviors such as walking barefoot on a pool deck and sharing swimming equipment correlate with herpes simplex and plantar warts. Virus infections can affect swimmers of all ages. In our study, plantar warts and herpes labialis are more common in swimmers. Herpes zoster and sexually transmitted viruses are rarer and affect adult swimmers. The impact of cutaneous infections on swimmers can affect performance and well-being. Effective prevention and management are essential to avoid complications. Proper hygiene, medical guidance, and treatment reduce swimmers’ exposure to skin viruses. Full article

Given the rising incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related diseases, including cervical, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers, particularly among men, the implementation of comprehensive HPV vaccination strategies is necessary in South Korea. This position statement advocates the introduction of gender-neutral vaccination (GNV) in the country. It recommends the administration of the HPV vaccine to both men and women aged 9–26 years to prevent a broad spectrum of HPV-related conditions. Specifically, individuals aged 9–14 years are advised to receive two doses of the vaccine, whereas those aged 15–26 years are advised to receive three doses. The optimal age for vaccination is identified as 11–12 years old. Additionally, this statement recommends that women aged 27 years and older be vaccinated based on the discretion of healthcare providers. The introduction of GNV is essential to curb the spread of HPV and reduce the overall burden of HPV-related cancers, making it a critical public health initiative in Korea. Full article

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine was initially approved for a three-dose regimen. Due to resource limitations, budget constraints, low acceptance, and poor adherence, global vaccination coverage is only 15%. A single-dose regimen could simplify logistics, reduce costs, and improve accessibility. However, its clinical effectiveness remains debatable. This review systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library, including 42 clinical studies, to assess the effectiveness of a single-dose HPV vaccination for preventing HPV infections, cervical abnormalities, and genital warts. We summarized the effectiveness of bivalent, quadrivalent, and nonavalent vaccines across different age groups and buffer periods, and analyzed the factors contributing to the inconsistency of results. The review also provides insights into designing robust future research to inform single-dose HPV vaccination policies and guidelines, highlighting the need for further research to refine vaccination strategies. Full article

Objective: To evaluate knowledge about HPV and its vaccine, additionally, to examine the effect of knowledge about HPV and its vaccine on perceived benefits and barriers to HPV vaccination among individuals in the western region of Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed in the western region of Saudi Arabia through a self-administered web-based survey. The survey assessed knowledge, perceived benefits, and perceived barriers to HPV vaccination. Results: A total of 1149 eligible participants completed the survey. Participants exhibited limited knowledge of HPV and its vaccine, with an average total score of 4.76 out of 15. Over 80% of participants were unaware that HPV may not show symptoms, cannot lead to HIV, and is not treatable with antibiotics. Over half were unaware that HPV can cause cervical cancer, oral cancer, or genital warts. Unmarried and graduate-educated participants demonstrated greater knowledge. Perceived benefits were positively associated with knowledge levels, while perceived barriers were negatively associated with knowledge levels after controlling for other variables. Conclusions: This study highlights the need for education and healthcare efforts to raise knowledge about HPV and its vaccine in the western region of Saudi Arabia. Also, this study indicated that enhanced knowledge boosts positive attitudes towards HPV vaccination, while reducing perceived barriers, thereby increasing vaccination rates. Full article

To date, more than 400 types of human papillomavirus (HPV) have been identified. Despite the creation of effective prophylactic vaccines against the most common genital HPVs, the viruses remain among the most prevalent pathogens found in humans. According to WHO data, they are the cause of 5% of all cancers. Even more frequent are persistent and recurrent benign lesions such as genital and common warts. HPVs are resistant to many disinfectants and relatively unsusceptible to external conditions. There is still no drug available to inhibit viral replication, and treatment is based on removing lesions or stimulating the host immune system. This paper presents the systematics of HPV and the differences in HPV structure between different genetic types, lineages, and sublineages, based on the literature and GenBank data. We also present the pathogenesis of diseases caused by HPV, with a special focus on the role played by E6, E7, and other viral proteins in the development of benign and cancerous lesions. We discuss further prospects for the treatment of HPV infections, including, among others, substances that block the entry of HPV into cells, inhibitors of viral early proteins, and some substances of plant origin that inhibit viral replication, as well as new possibilities for therapeutic vaccines. Full article