- The development of cervical cancer is most commonly linked to Human papilloma virus (HPV), especially high-risk types like HPV 16 and 18.
- HPV infection leads to integration of viral DNA into host cells, causing expression of oncoproteins E6 and E7.
- These oncoproteins inactivate tumor suppressor proteins p53 and Rb, leading to uncontrolled cell division and malignant transformation.
- Other viruses such as EBV, HSV, and CMV do not have this strong causal association with cervical cancer.

Thus, HPV is the primary etiological agent of cervical carcinoma worldwide.

Reference: Robbins Basic Pathology, 10th Edition, Chapter 8/Cervical Cancer