Which micro-organism is associated with cervical cancer?

BHU NO-2019

Applied Microbiology & Infection control

Easy

Appeared in: BHU NO-2019

Explanation

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the primary etiological agent responsible for more than 99% of cervical cancer cases.
High-risk HPV types, particularly types 16 and 18, are strongly implicated in the development of cervical malignancies.
The virus integrates its DNA into host cervical cells, leading to the overexpression of oncoproteins E6 and E7.
The E6 protein targets the p53 tumor suppressor protein for degradation, while the E7 protein inactivates the retinoblastoma (RB) tumor suppressor protein.
This inactivation of key tumor suppressors removes the normal checks on cell proliferation, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and the development of cancer.

Option B: Pneumocystis carinii (now Pneumocystis jirovecii) is a fungus, not a virus. It is a well-known cause of opportunistic pneumonia (PCP) in immunocompromised individuals, especially those with HIV/AIDS, and has no association with cancer.
Option C: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a type of herpesvirus. While it can cause severe infections like retinitis, colitis, or pneumonia in immunocompromised hosts, it is not the causative agent of cervical cancer.
Option D: Mycobacterium avium is a bacterium that causes Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) disease. This typically presents as a disseminated or pulmonary infection in severely immunocompromised patients (e.g., AIDS patients with very low CD4 counts) and is not linked to cervical 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 and Oncogenic Viruses as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Primary prevention of cervical cancer is a key nursing and public health goal, achieved through HPV vaccination (e.g., Gardasil, Cervarix), which is recommended for adolescents before the onset of sexual activity.
Nurses play a vital role in educating patients about secondary prevention, which involves regular screening with Pap smears (cytology) and/or HPV DNA tests to detect precancerous lesions, allowing for early treatment and preventing progression to invasive cancer.
What if? If a patient has a persistent infection with a high-risk HPV type but a normal Pap smear, the management would involve closer surveillance with repeat testing in 1 year, as they remain at a higher risk for developing cervical abnormalities compared to someone without a high-risk HPV infection.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests foundational knowledge of microbiology and oncology.
First, identify the key terms in the question stem: 'micro-organism' and 'cervical cancer'.
The question asks you to identify the specific pathogen that is known to cause cervical cancer.
Systematically evaluate each option by recalling the primary disease associated with it.
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is widely recognized in medicine and public health as the main cause of cervical cancer.
Rule out the other options. Pneumocystis, CMV, and Mycobacterium avium are classic opportunistic pathogens that cause severe infections primarily in individuals with compromised immune systems, and they are not oncogenic in the context of the cervix.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Q48EkBZXS_xZOV3y4TMZnf

E6 Microbiology OneStop Sastry p. 165-167

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

E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 331-333