A method for treating and preventing various infections, including papilloma virus and fungal and parasitic infections is provided. In particular, an effective amount of a sulfated polysaccharide, such as cellulose sulfate and dextran sulfate are administered to prevent and treat these infections. The invention also relates to use of these compounds for the prevention and inhibition of malignant epithelial lesions associated with papilloma virus, such as cervical cancer.