[Current developments in anogenital HPV infections]

Human papillomaviruses are found with increasing frequency in malignant epithelial tumours of the skin and the mucosae, especially in the anogenital region. Clinical dermatology and venereology have focused much interest on papillomaviruses, because these agents are responsible for the most frequently diagnosed sexually transmitted diseases. Early diagnosis using colposcopy, peniscopy and acetic-acid testing are helpful in preventing the further dissemination of HPV and associated diseases. In general, preventive diagnosis, improved treatment combining conventional methods and immunotherapy and regular follow-up examinations should be coordinated among dermatovenerologists, gynaecologists and urologists.