Alarm over HPV infection rates
As many as one in four women in the US aged 14 to 59 may have the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV), which is linked to cervical cancer, according to a study of more than 2,000 women - higher than expected. HPV is one of the most commonly sexually transmitted infections, and can cause cervical, anal and other genital cancers, AFP and AP report. Low-risk forms can cause genital warts and often clear without treatment. 'Our data indicate that ... HPV infection among women [particularly among those aged 14 to 24] was higher than previous estimates,' say the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention researchers.
Chlamydia cause for concern
Meanwhile, nearly three out of every 10 women in their late teens suffer recurrent bouts of chlamydia - another common sexually transmitted infection, often with no symptoms, that can lead to pelvic inflammation and infertility. The findings of the Yale University study of more than 400 women aged 14 to 19 were higher than expected, Reuters reports.
Protein in frontline HIV battle
Cells in the mucous lining of human genitals produce a protein that appears to devour human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) - possibly helping contain the spread of Aids. Researchers from the Vrije University Medical Centre in Amsterdam say the protein may indicate new ways to curtail the spread of HIV. The behaviour of the Langerin protein in the laboratory experiments may explain why HIV has a relatively low infection rate, healthday.com reports.
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