An updated understanding of the natural history of cervical human papillomavirus infection—clinical implications

Abstract

Recently, the International Papillomavirus Society convened a working group on cervical human papillomavirus latency, which resulted in an updated understanding of the human papillomavirus natural history. While the previous human papillomavirus natural history model considered human papillomavirus detection to be a result of human papillomavirus acquisition or possibly reinfection, and loss of human papillomavirus detection to be a result of viral clearance, the updated understanding of the human papillomavirus natural history is more nuanced. Thus, human papillomavirus detection may occur as a result of autoinoculation, deposition from a recent sex act, or as a redetection of a previously acquired infection. Similarly, loss of human papillomavirus detection likely reflects immune control rather than complete viral clearance. As it is practically impossible to identify the “true” source of a new human papillomavirus detection or determine why human papillomavirus is no longer detectable, we propose that healthcare providers and researchers use the terminology human papillomavirus detected vs human papillomavirus not detected. Moreover, we describe the updated understanding in a clinical context. Specifically, we discuss the potential implications of the updated understanding regarding clinical counseling in screening, recommendations on cervical screening, and human papillomavirus vaccination. We also suggest key phrases that healthcare providers may use when counseling women attending routine human papillomavirus–based cervical screening.