What Is Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of more than 200 related DNA viruses that infect epithelial cells, including those of the skin and mucous membranes. HPV infections are typically classified into high-risk and low-risk types based on their oncogenic potential. High-risk HPVs, such as HPV-16 and HPV-18, are associated with the development of cancers, particularly cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers. Low-risk types, such as HPV-6 and HPV-11, can cause benign warts (papillomas) and respiratory papillomatosis.
Types of HPV
- High-risk HPVs: Associated with cancers, including HPV-16 and HPV-18.
- Low-risk HPVs: Cause benign lesions such as genital warts, including HPV-6 and HPV-11.
Transmission
- HPV is primarily spread through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
- It can also be transmitted through close skin-to-skin contact.
Symptoms
- HPV is often asymptomatic and can go unnoticed.
- Genital warts may appear as small bumps or groups of bumps in the genital area.
- Persistent infection with high-risk HPV can lead to precancerous lesions and cancers.
Diagnosis
- Cytology (Pap Test): Detects abnormal cells in the cervix.
- HPV DNA Test: Identifies the presence of high-risk HPV types in cervical cells.
Prevention
- Vaccination: HPV vaccines protect against the most common high-risk and some low-risk HPV types.
- Screening: Regular cervical screening, including Pap tests and HPV tests, supports early detection and management of precancerous conditions.
Treatment
There is no cure for the virus itself, but treatments are available for the health problems that HPV can cause, such as genital warts and precancerous lesions.
Online References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: HPV
- Mayo Clinic: HPV infection
- World Health Organization: HPV and cancer
- National Cancer Institute: HPV and Cancer