Center for HPV Prevention

HPVs are the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the world today, with over 40 types that can infect the human genital tract. The vast majority of HPV infections (>90%) are benign and cause no symptoms; however, HPV infection is a necessary cause of invasive cervical cancer. Many HPV types infecting the genital tract have been detected in the mouth and throat and are associated with some head and neck cancers. Similarly HPV infections are associated with some cancers of the penis, anus, vulva and vagina. Thus, preventing HPV infection could significantly reduce the incidence of cervical cancer and likely a number of other HPV-related cancers.

Several measures can be taken to help prevent genital HPV infection. First, there are prophylactic HPV vaccines available to prevent HPV infection. Current HPV vaccines are most efficacious if given before an individual first becomes sexually active. Condoms may also help prevent HPV infections of the genital area, but must be used during sexual activity from start to finish. Unfortunately, condom use cannot prevent HPV infection of those areas of the genital tract which are not covered by the condom. Individuals can also limit their number of sexual partners to prevent HPV infection. Because HPV infections are mostly asymptomatic, it is difficult to determine if a potential sexual partner is already infected with HPV. Thus, HPV vaccination is the recommended approach for preventing HPV on a population basis.

The HPV Prevention Center’s goals are to contribute to

1. understanding the molecular biology of HPV infection,
2. preventing HPV infections through development of better vaccines,
3. conducting population-based surveillance to evaluate the effectiveness of primary and secondary HPV prevention (i.e., vaccination and screening) and
4. developing educational interventions to increase public awareness about HPV prevention methods.

Two Facilities

The Center for HPV Prevention has two different facilities at The University of New Mexico

• a Research Lab and Administrative offices in The Biomedical Research Facility (BRF) on North Camus and
• the House of Prevention Epidemiology (HOPE) Clinic on Main campus.

Lab and Administrative Offices

U.S. Postal Service Mailing Address (correspondence)

Center for HPV Prevention
Attention: Dr. Cosette Wheeler
MSC08 4640
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001

FedEx and UPS Address (specimens, laboratory supplies)

University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center
915 Camino de Salud NE
BRF 123, First Floor
Albuquerque, NM 87131
Phone: 505 272-9899 or 505-272-8563
Fax: 505 272-0821

Physical Address

University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center
915 Camino de Salud NE
Biomedical Research Facility (BRF), Bldg #253,
1st Floor
Albuquerque, NM 87131

House of Prevention Epidemiology (HOPE) Clinic

U.S. Postal Service Mailing Address (clinic related)

House of Prevention Epidemiology
Attention: Dr. Cosette Wheeler
MSC02 1670
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001

FedEx and UPS Address

University of New Mexico
House of Prevention Epidemiology (HOPE), Bldg. 191
1816 Sigma Chi RD NE, MSC02 1670
Albuquerque, NM 87106

Physical Address:

University of New Mexico
House of Prevention Epidemiology (HOPE), Bldg. 191
1816 Sigma Chi RD NE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
Phone: 505 277-1572 or 505-277-1544
Fax: 505 277-0265

Meet our Management team

Cosette Wheeler, PhD

Regent's Professor, UNM HSC, Director of EPIC-STI, Leader Project #4, Leader Admin Core, Co-Leader Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Core
Email Dr. Wheeler
Mail: BRF 123

Michael Robertson

Email Mr. Robertson
Mail: MSC08 4640
Phone: 505-272-5365

Norah Torrez-Martinez

Email Ms Torrez-Martinez
Mail: MSC08 4640
Phone: 505-272-9899

Ann Powell

Email Ms Powell
Mail: MSC08 4640