Human Papillomaviruses

Warts on the skin and mucous membranes are a common problem affectin the majority of the population at some time in their lives. The causative infections agents, the human papillomaviruses (HPVs) eluded culture and hence detailed study for many years, but the advent of molecular techniques has led to a rapid expansion in the understanding of the biology of HPVs and their contribution both to benign epithelial proliferation and malignant change. This book combines a discussion of up-to-date research findings with clinical features, the treatments presently available and future directions for therapy. It is aimed principally at clinicians, who need to keep up to date with the basic science but also want practical information to apply to clinical cases, and will also appeal to scientists needing a clinical background to their research. In order to achieve this balance, the well respected editors have recruited contributions from a number of scientists eminent in their particular areas of HPV research, as well as from clinicians with wide experience in dealing with the medical challenges of treating warts. The book will be essential reading for trainee and practicing dermatologists, and a valuable shelf reference for immunologists and other researchers and clinicians with an interest in HPV infection.