Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted virus that has be
en studied primarily in the context of its role as an epidemiological
risk factor for cervical cancer and as a biological agent capable of m
odifying cellular growth and differentiation. Chronic cervical HPV inf
ection appears to be etiologically linked to neoplastic changes of the
cervix. However, it has recently become apparent that HPV is highly p
revalent in the general population, including a substantial number of
cytologically normal women. Although HPV detection is often transient
in these individuals, it is not known whether the virus is truly elimi
nated or whether it remains below the threshold of detection in a late
nt state. Little is known about the interaction between HPV and other
risk factors for cervical cancer, but it is possible that variables su
ch as pregnancy, immunosuppression, and use of oral contraceptives may
alter the natural history of HPV infection.