Most common organism responsible for cervical cancer?

Appeared in: AIIMS Delhi NO - 2017

Explanation

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary etiological agent for nearly all cases of cervical cancer.
High-risk HPV types, particularly types 16 and 18, are responsible for the majority of these cancers.
The virus integrates into the host cell's DNA and uses its oncoproteins (E6 and E7) to inactivate the body's natural tumor suppressor genes (p53 and RB), leading to uncontrolled cell growth and malignant transformation.

Option A: Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is an oncogenic virus, but it is not the primary cause of cervical cancer.
Option C: E. Coli (Escherichia coli) is a bacterium and is not an oncogenic virus. It does not have the mechanism to cause the genetic changes that lead to cervical cancer.
Option D: MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a strain of bacteria that is resistant to several antibiotics. It does not cause cancer.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Etiology of Cervical Cancer as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a vital role in educating the public about HPV vaccination for pre-teens (both boys and girls) as a primary prevention strategy against cervical and other HPV-related cancers.
Promoting and facilitating regular cervical cancer screening (Pap tests and/or HPV tests) is a key secondary prevention measure for early detection and treatment of precancerous lesions.
What if a patient has a positive HPV test but a normal Pap smear? The nurse should explain that this is a common scenario and that most HPV infections clear on their own. The patient will need to follow up for repeat testing in about a year, as per clinical guidelines, to monitor the infection.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'most common organism' and 'cervical cancer'.
This is a factual recall question that requires knowledge of microbiology and oncology.
Analyze the options provided. They include two viruses (EBV, HPV) and two bacteria (E. Coli, MRSA).
Recall that cervical cancer is primarily caused by a sexually transmitted pathogen, which points towards a virus.
Eliminate the bacteria, E. Coli and MRSA, as they are known for causing acute infections, not cancer.
Differentiate between the two viruses. HPV is widely known and publicized as the main cause of cervical cancer. EBV is associated with other types of cancers, like lymphomas.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 332-334

E6 Pharmacology Nursing Lilley 11e Part 3 p. 75-77

E6 PATHOLOGY QUICK REVIEWBased on Harsh Mohan Textbook of PATHOLOGY p. 70-72

Practise the full AIIMS Delhi NO - 2017

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.