DL-979: Papillomaviruses and Cervical Cancer, 2 CE

Lucy Treagan, Ph.D. - Prof. Biol. Emerita - University of San Francisco Approved for 2.0 CE Level of Difficulty: Beginning to Intermediate CAMLT is approved by the California Department of Public Health as a CA CLS Accrediting Agency (#21) Papillomaviruses are small DNA viruses that infect mucosal and cutaneous epithelium and cause benign hyperproliferative lesions recognized as warts. These viruses are widely spread in the environment. Infection with papillomaviruses is common in humans and in many animal species, including rabbits, cows, dogs, dolphins, and porpoises. Papillomaviruses are highly specific for their respective hosts. Cutaneous types of HPVs infect the skin of the hands and feet causing formation of warts. Mucosal types infect the lining of the mouth, throat, respiratory tract, and anogenital epithelium. Genital, respiratory, and conjunctival papillomas are among several manifestations of these infections. In most cases, the infection is cleared following activation of the host immune response against the virus. Occasionally, the lesions do not regress and can progress to cancer under appropriate environmental conditions.