Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted disease in women. Most of them are only transient - women usually eliminate infection during two years.
Persistent infection is a risk factor for cervical precancerous lesions and invasive cervical cancer and also for other HPV associated cancers. Our knowledge about HPV genotypes in precancer lesions and cancers is currently extending.
We are able to define effect of different vaccines on different risk group of woman. The best long term strategy would be general vaccination of all girls before their first intercourse (between 12-14 years of age).
Effect of this vaccination will be visible in approximately 10-15 years (decrease the number of precancer lesions and the number of premature labors). Reduction of invasive cancer would be expected in 15-25 years.
Currently number of studies is supporting vaccination in women older than 26 years.