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Management of genital infection caused by human papillomavirus
1Division of Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, Georgia 30333.
Abstract:
Recent studies of genital wart therapy have evaluated laser surgery, interferon, and 5-fluorouracil. On the basis of considerations of efficacy, cost, adverse effects, and recurrence rates, cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen remains the recommended therapy for most sexually transmitted warts. None of the treatment methods eradicates the papillomavirus, and genital wart recurrences are seen with each method. The influence of treatment of genital warts on the natural course and sequelae of genital papillomavirus infection is unknown.
Insights
Cryotherapy using liquid nitrogen is the top treatment for genital warts, balancing effectiveness, cost, and side effects. However, no current therapy eradicates the human papillomavirus, and recurrences are common across all treatments.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Virology
- Public Health
Background:
- Genital warts are a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
- Various therapeutic options exist, including laser surgery, interferon, and 5-fluorouracil.
- Assessing treatment efficacy involves considering cure rates, adverse effects, recurrence patterns, and cost-effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate current therapeutic modalities for genital warts.
- To determine the most recommended treatment based on efficacy, cost, adverse effects, and recurrence rates.
- To highlight the limitations of existing treatments in eradicating HPV and preventing recurrence.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent studies on genital wart therapies.
- Comparative analysis of laser surgery, interferon, 5-fluorouracil, and cryotherapy.
- Consideration of clinical outcomes, patient factors, and virological aspects.
Main Results:
- Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen is identified as the preferred treatment for most cases of genital warts.
- No treatment method effectively eradicates the underlying human papillomavirus infection.
- Genital wart recurrences are observed irrespective of the treatment modality employed.
Conclusions:
- Cryotherapy remains the standard of care for genital warts due to its favorable profile.
- Current treatments manage symptoms but do not offer a cure for HPV infection.
- Further research is needed to understand the long-term impact of treatment on HPV infection and its sequelae.