Infection as a cause of an abnormal Pap test

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Infection as a cause of an abnormal Pap test

Many types of infections can cause abnormal cervical cell changes. The most common cause of cervical cell changes is the human papillomavirus (HPV). This viral infection usually is not treated, but the abnormal cell changes can be treated if needed. HPV is also the cause of genital warts. An abnormal Pap test may be the first sign that a woman is infected with HPV.

Other types of infection that can cause abnormal cell changes include:

Bacterial infections such gonorrhea, chlamydia, or bacterial vaginosis.
Fungal (yeast) infections such as candidiasis or monilia infection.
Protozoan infection (Trichomonas).

While these infections can cause changes in cervical cells, they do not cause cervical cell dysplasia or increase the risk of cervical cancer. These types of infections can be specifically treated, and a follow-up Pap test should be done no sooner than 4 months after treatment to allow the cervical cell changes to return to normal.

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Author	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor	Denele Ivins
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Barbara S. Apgar, MD, MS - Family Medicine, Women's Health
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Ross Berkowitz, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last Updated	January 12, 2007

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Last updated:	January 12, 2007
Author:	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Reviewed By:	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine, Ross Berkowitz, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC

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