Medical Question of the Day- 25

A 24-year-old woman visits her physician for consultation about human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. She has been sexually active since she was a senior in high school with multiple partners. She had her last Pap smear last year and it was normal. On examination, there are multiple vaginal non-tender wart-like projections.

What is the best advice concerning HPV vaccine to this patient?

A – She already has HPV infection so, no need for the vaccine

B – She already has HPV infection but she should take the vaccine for other strains of HPV

C – HPV vaccine is essential to treat the current infection

D – She can only take the vaccine later after full recovery

E – No need for the vaccine as long as Pap smear is normal

Answer

This patient is a good candidate for HPV vaccine. HPV vaccine protects against several strains of virus which are mainly responsible for genital warts and cervical cancer. Infection with one strain makes this patient susceptible to infection with other strains especially concerning her sexual history with multiple partners. HPV vaccine is not used in treatment of any condition and is safe to be administered at any stage of infection to protect against other strains of HPV virus. Normal pap smear has no rule to exclude vaccination.

The correct answer is B

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