Infection with which virus is most commonly associated with cervical dysplasia?

• A. HIV
• B. HPV
• C. HSV
• D. HCV

Answer: (B)

Human papillomavirus is the infection most commonly associated with cervical dysplasia. Certain high‑risk HPV types, especially 16 and 18, can integrate their DNA into cervical epithelial cells and produce E6 and E7 oncoproteins. These proteins inactivate tumor suppressors like p53 and Rb, removing normal checks on the cell cycle and allowing abnormal, proliferating cells to accumulate. This sequence leads to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and, if the infection persists, possible progression to cervical cancer. Vaccines targeting these high‑risk types aim to prevent this progression.

The other viruses listed do not directly cause cervical dysplasia. HIV is an immune‑system–targeting virus that increases susceptibility to infections but does not by itself induce dysplastic changes in cervical epithelium. HSV causes genital ulcers but not the dysplastic transformation of cervical cells. HCV primarily affects the liver and is not linked to cervical epithelial changes.