Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

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Which strains of HPV are primarily associated with cancer?

  1. 6, 11, 16, 18

  2. 16, 18, 31, 33

  3. 2, 4, 6, 11

  4. 12, 18, 21, 25

The correct answer is: 16, 18, 31, 33

The strains of HPV that are primarily associated with cancer are 16, 18, 31, and 33. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of more than 200 related viruses, with certain types being considered high-risk due to their potential to lead to cancers, particularly cervical cancer, as well as other anogenital cancers and oropharyngeal cancers. Types 16 and 18 are the most well-known high-risk strains and are responsible for a significant percentage of HPV-related cancers. Strains 31 and 33 are also classified as high-risk types, contributing to the carcinogenic potential associated with HPV infections. On the other hand, the other options contain strains that are primarily associated with benign conditions or lower-risk of malignancy. For instance, strains 6 and 11 are typically linked with anogenital warts and not cancer. Strains such as 2, 4, and 12 also do not have a significant association with cancer. Therefore, the identification of strains 16, 18, 31, and 33 as critical to the understanding of HPV-related cancers is both accurate and essential for recognizing the importance of these high-risk strains in screening and prevention efforts.