[The prevalence, incidence, persistence and transmission ways of human papillomavirus infection (HPV)].

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide, which may result in the development of benign or malignant tumours. HPV infec-tions cause approximately 5% of all human cancers. Infection at all sites is strongly associated with sexual behaviour, but this association does not appear to explain substantial differences in the prevalence, incidence, persistence, and clearance of HPV infection in the anal, genital, and oral areas. Discussed are the similarities and differences among the natural histories of infection in different anatomical sites of the human body of both genders. Despite the huge advances already achieved, more research is needed to suggest effective prevention strategies (including the screening of high-risk groups and vaccination) for HPV infection and associated diseases.