Abstract

Chronic HPV infection is thought to be the main causative factor in the development of cervical cancer. The predominant mode of transmission is a sexual intercourse. Factors increasing the risk of HPV infection include an early sexual initiation, large number of partners, unprotected intercourse. HPV infection prevention is now considered to be a mode of primary prophylaxis of cervical cancer A significant role in prevention and eradication of HPV infection is seen in prophylactic vaccination which fully prevents HPV type 16, 18 infections considered responsible for 70% cases of cervical cancer and HPV
type 6, 11 responsible for genital warts. Vaccination and the adherence to the rules of "safe sex" may drastically reduce the incidence of cervical cancer and the spread of infection, also among the personnel of surgical theatres who are exposed to infected body parts during the course of their work. Direct contact of nursing staff with patients, especially chronically immunosuppressed transplant recipients exposes those team members to an infection risk. Preventive vaccinations currently protect medical professionals from HBV infections by stimulating the production of protective antibody levels. It is postulated that anti-HPV vaccination should be included in the protective vaccination schedule of medical professionals at a special risk of exposure.

Keywords: Primary prophylaxis