Which virus is linked to cervical cancer?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the virus most significantly linked to cervical cancer. This association arises from the role of certain high-risk strains of HPV, particularly HPV types 16 and 18, which are known to cause the majority of cervical cancer cases. The virus infects the epithelial cells of the cervix, leading to cellular changes and the potential for oncogenesis over time.

Persistent HPV infection can result in the transformation of normal cervical cells into precancerous lesions, which may progress to invasive cervical cancer if not detected and treated appropriately. This is why routine screening methods such as Pap smears and HPV testing are crucial in cancer prevention strategies, as they help identify women at risk of developing cervical cancer due to HPV.

In contrast, the other viruses listed do not have a direct causal relationship with cervical cancer. Hepatitis B virus is primarily associated with liver cancer, while HIV contributes to a higher risk of various cancers due to immunosuppression rather than being a direct cause of cervical cancer itself. The influenza virus is predominantly linked to respiratory illnesses and does not have any established connection to cervical cancer. Thus, the clear, established link between HPV and cervical cancer distinguishes it as the correct answer.