Cervical screening and human papillomavirus

BACKGROUND: Cervical screening in Australia has been successful in reducing the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer. Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection and an integral agent in the development of cervical cancer. OBJECTIVE: This article discusses cervical screening, HPV infection and counselling women with low grade abnormalities on cervical cytology. DISCUSSION: For most women, detectable HPV infection is transient and subclinical. While HPV is a precursor to cervical cancer, this is a rare outcome of HPV infection. Minor abnormalities on cervical cytology reflecting acute HPV infection are common. Women with low grade Pap test abnormalities require reassurance and education about the prevalence and natural history of HPV. (author abstract)