Pathogenesis and treatment of human genital papillomavirus infections: a review

HPV infection of the genital tract is common and anogenital warts or condyloma acuminatum is increasing rapidly in incidence. In addition, certain HPV types are closely associated with genital tract malignancies. Although recent advances in molecular biology have led to an increased understanding of the organization and functions of the papillomavirus genome, the pathogenesis of HPV infections and host responses to these diseases remain poorly understood. Treatment of anogenital warts is difficult and no completely satisfactory treatment modality is currently available. Comparatively few therapeutic modalities have been thoroughly evaluated, although recent studies of intralesionally and parenterally administered interferons have demonstrated beneficial effects of interferon compared to placebo. Additional studies of treatment for condyloma acuminatum are needed and should include the use of biologic response modifiers such as interferons, as well as antiviral drugs, with or without conventional methods of local therapy.