Final answer:
Studies show that HPV vaccines Gardasil and Cervarix significantly reduce HPV infection rates, supporting their mechanism of action in stimulating the immune system to prevent infection with oncogenic HPV strains, thus helping prevent cervical cancer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The mechanism of HPV vaccination is proven through studies that show the vaccines Gardasil and Cervarix reduce the incidence of infections by the targeted human papillomavirus (HPV) strains. HPV vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to recognize and fight the virus, preventing infections that can lead to cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases. Gardasil vaccinates against HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18, which are responsible for 90% of genital warts and 70% of cervical cancers, with Gardasil 9 covering an additional five high-risk types. Cervarix includes just types 16 and 18. The effectiveness of these vaccines in reducing HPV infection rates supports the mechanism of preventing the initial infection with oncogenic HPV strains.
Cervical cancer prevention is a major motivation for HPV vaccination as regular Pap tests can detect abnormal cells that might progress to cancer if left untreated. Diagnostic of an HPV infection in a Pap smear involves screening for abnormal cervical cells and CPEs (cytopathic effects) related to HPV. These cells can then be further tested for the presence of the virus.