Why have I developed a pre-malignant condition of the cervix?

Authors:

Lehtinen M. Dillner J. Knekt P. Luostarinen T. Aromaa A. Kirnbauer R.

Koskela P. Paavonen J. Peto R. Schiller JT. Hakama M.

Institution:

Dept. of Chronic Viral Diseases, NPHI, Mannerheimintie 166,FIN-00300

Helsinki; Finland.

Title:

Serologically diagnosed infection with human papillomavirus type 16 and risk for subsequent development of cervical carcinoma: Nested case-control study (1996-1977).

Source:

BMJ. Vol 312(7030) (pp37-539), 1996.

Abstract:

Objectives:

To study human papillomavirus type 16 in the aetiology of cervical carcinoma.

Design:

Within a cohort of 18 814 Finnish women followed for up to 23 years a nested case-control study was conducted based on serological diagnosis of past infection with human papillomavirus type 16. Subjects - 72 women (27 with invasive carcinoma and 45 with in situ carcinoma) and 143 matched controls were identified during the follow up. Main outcome measure - Relative risk of cervical carcinoma in presence of IgG antibodies to human papillomavirus type 16.

Results:

After adjustment for smoking and for antibodies to various other agents of sexually transmitted disease, such as herpes simplex virus type 2 and Chlamydia trachomatis, the only significant association was with infection with human papillomavirus type 16 (odds ratio 12.5; 95% confidence interval 2.7 to 57, 2P< 0.001).

Conclusion:

- This prospective study provides epidemiological evidence that infection with human papillomavirus type 16 confers an excess risk for subsequent development of cervical carcinoma.

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