Editorial
VACCINATION AS PRIMARY PREVENTION OF THE HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS INFECTION
Ratko Matijević
orcid.org/0000-0003-1693-7474
; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, General Hospital "Sveti Duh", Medical School University of Zagreb
Abstract
Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection is well defined and well known problem all around the world, mostly through its easy spreadness, acquisition and potential long term effects related to cervical cancer. Secondary ¬prevention of cervical cancer is defined through routine cytology screening programmes, but despite all efforts, there are several thousands of cervical cancer new cases diagnosed annually worldwide. The relationship between cervical cancer and HPV infection is already well known. Presently available methods for HPV treatment are not satisfactory and the possible solution is in primary prevention. Primary prevention or immunization against HPV infection may reduce the incidence and consequences of HPV infection on the long terms. Today, two pharmaceutical companies developed prophylactic HPV vaccine. One of them is already readily available in USA, EU and numerous other countries. In this review, we present the results of their clinical efficacy with the point on already registered and available quadrivalent prophylactic HPV vaccine (types 6, 11, 16 and 18). With more than 90% effectiveness in the preventing persistent infection and 100% effectiveness in the prevention of HPV related genital disease over the 5 years period of time, it gives a promising results for the use in general population.
Keywords
human papilloma virus (HPV); vaccination; immunization; cervical cancer
Hrčak ID:
23503
URI
Publication date:
1.9.2007.
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