Everything about human papillomavirus (HPV)

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Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Everything about human papillomavirus (HPV)

Human Papillomavirus is a DNA virus that is circular in shape, non-enveloped, double-stranded in structure, and causes multiple epithelial lesions and cancers.

HPV is classified into more than one hundred subtypes at present. Individuals with persistent HPV infection and those who have multiple sexual partners are at very high risk for acquiring more HPV subtypes. HPV types 16, 18, 26, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 53, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68, 73 and 82 are classified as carcinogenic to humans.

Persistent among HPV attributable cancers, 80% are cervical cancer which are preventable through HPV vaccination along with other HPV related cancers. India contributed to 7% of the global cancer incidence and 24% of global HPV related cancer incidence in 2020. Four out of five cervical cancers reported in India were caused by infections from HPV types 16 and 18.

Every year, approximately 123,907 new cervical cancer cases are detected in India (estimates for 2020). Cervical cancer ranks as the 2nd most common cancer in females in India. Among women in India, cervical cancer constitutes the 2nd highest rate of malignancy in the age group of 15 to 44 years. With this, India being about 17 percent of the total population in the world bears the most optically unfair burden of that 29 percent of cervical cancers worldwide. Epidemiological assessment suggests a worldwide prevalence of human papillomavirus infection of approximately 9 to 13 percent, which eventually equals a possible 630 million women infected worldwide. Although less studied, a new report gives an estimate of pretty similar prevalence of HPV infection among men and women, thereby increasing the burden of infection by a significant number. Thus, HPV becomes the most common sexually transmitted disease infected by the lack of targeted cures. No method exists to cure HPV, so it dwells within the body with no removal of the virus itself.

However, HPV alone cannot induce cancer and needs promoters such as smoking, low folate levels, UV light, immunosuppression during pregnancy. HPV is not known to cause cancer in most people; nonetheless, those infected are bound to have their risk level shoots up, especially if they have compromised immune systems. The NCI has estimated that it may take a tumor ten to twenty years to develop.       

Risk factors:

  • Sexual activity, age of first sexual intercourse, and number of sexual partners
  • Smoking
  • Use of oral contraceptives (more than 5 years)
  • Chewing betel nut
  • Exposure to radiation and UV light

The risk of cancer is higher if a person has HPV and:

  • has other sexually transmitted infections
  • has a weakened immune system
  • delivered their first baby at a young age
  • has given birth to many children
  • smokes tobacco products
  • HIV coinfection

Causes

HPV is the virus that spreads from the skin-to-skin touch, mostly sexual touch. Anyone who is sexually active can develop this infection, and it can sometimes bring no symptoms or make their appearance and disappearance. As a matter of fact, HPV can spread between different people even when they experience no symptoms.

HPV can be transmitted to an infant during birth. However, research suggests that this risk is relatively low, as the immune system usually takes care of the infection in this situation. Signs of an HPV infection in an infant include genital warts or lesions in the mouth. If a young child develops HPV symptoms, it may indicate child sexual abuse.

Prevention

To reduce the risk of contracting HPV, a person can:

  • Get the HPV vaccine.
  • Use barrier protection every time they have sex.
  • Limit their number of sexual partners.
  • Not have sex while genital warts are present.

To help prevent the warts from spreading:

  • Avoid touching the wart unnecessarily.
  • Wash your hands after touching a wart.
  • Avoid shaving over a wart.
  • Treat and cover a wart until it disappears.
  • Avoid sharing towels and other personal items.

Vaccination

As indicated by Indian guidelines, it is advised that vaccination takes place between 9-45 years of age to lower the risk of cervical and other cancers.

HPV vaccine is administered as:

  • A two-dose series (0, 6-12 months) for most persons who initiate vaccination at ages 9 through 14 years
  • A three-dose schedule (0, 1-2, 6 months) for people whose vaccination is begun at 15 through 45 years of age and for immuno-compromised persons.

Disclaimer
This article is not a substitute for professional advice and is intended for informational purposes only. This article is for general awareness. 
                                                                               
                                                                             

 Post by Dr. Amit Harshana 
                                                                                        Visit us for more  Akeso Health


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