Preface

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is one of the most frequently sexually transmitted diseases in the world. Multiple types of HPVs are divided as low risk, and high risk types. Low risk types cause warts and high risk types can cause cancer. HPV infections are responsible for almost all cases of genital warts and cervical cancer, 90% of anal cancers, 65% of vaginal cancers, 50% of vulva cancers, 35% of penile cancers, and 60% of oropharyngeal cancers. The health guidelines are recommended for HPV testing in patients using different methods. However, there is no way of knowing how long a person has had the virus. The methods of reducing the HPV infections include sexual abstinence, condoms, vaccination and microbicides. Recently, two commercial vaccines such as Gardasil and Cervarix have been used to prevent HPV infections. There are several side effects for preventive vaccines such as swelling, redness and pain at the injection site, headaches, blood problems (bleeding), chills, dizzy, Guillain Barré syndrome, joint pain, lymphadenopathy, muscle pain or tenderness, seizures (fits), tiredness, vomiting, and weakness. In rare cases, it is possible to experience an anaphylactic reaction with related signs. Regarding the poor diagnosis of HPV infections in developing countries, the researchers have focused on therapeutic vaccines. Also, the preventive vaccines are being developed using various methods for reducing side effects and also their use against various HPV types in women and also men. The studies continue on HPV diagnosis and vaccination for eradicating all HPV-related cancers. Already, various approaches have been utilized in clinical trials for the treatment of HPV-related cancers. The aim of this book is to provide up-to-date reviews of the growing field of diagnosis, prevention and treatment in HPV-related infections. Contributions cover a large range of topics including epidemiology, molecular biology, transmission, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment along with preclinical and clinical experiments. Regarding the high prevalence of HPV infections and the absence of correct diagnosis especially in developing countries as well as high cost of preventive vaccines and low information of many people about HPVs, hopefully, this book can further clarify and provide open ways for future studies of scientists on uncertain aspects of HPV.