Definition |
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common viral infection of the genital tract. HPV is a group of viruses that is extremely widespread throughout the world. There are over 190 types of this virus, of which at least 13 lead to cancer (these are known as high-risk types). |
Specialty |
Virology |
History |
In the mid-seventies of the twentieth century, the scientist Harold zur Hausen discovered that women with cervical cancer were invariably infected with the human papillomavirus. In 1983, he discovered papillomavirus DNA in a cervical cancer biopsy, and this event can be considered the discovery of the oncogenic HPV-16 virus. In 2008, the Nobel Committee awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine to Harold zur Hausen for his discovery that papillomavirus can cause cervical cancer. |
Symptoms |
Most HPV infections do not cause symptoms or illness and resolve on their own – about 90% resolve within 2 years. However, persistent infection with certain types of HPV (most commonly types 16 and 18) can lead to the development of precancerous pathological conditions. HPV-6 and HPV-11 can also cause a rare condition known as recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP), in which warts form in the larynx or other parts of the airways. |
Causes |
The main cause of the disease is the group of Papillomaviruses. |
Prevention |
Main prevention method of papillomavirus is vaccination against it. The results of clinical trials indicate that the two vaccines currently available are safe and very effective in preventing HPV 16 and 18 infections. Both vaccines are more effective if vaccinated before exposure to the human papillomavirus. Therefore, it is preferable to vaccinate before the first sexual contact. |
Diagnostic Method |
There are several methods of laboratory and instrumental diagnosis of human papillomavirus. Colposcopic examination is prescribed for women to detect genital warts located in the cervical region. Cytological study allows to notice mutated cells that indicate a viral infection. PCR diagnostics is one of the most reliable diagnostic methods that is used to detect many bacteria and viruses. Using PCR diagnostics, it is possible to detect the DNA of the virus even if the amount of the pathogen in the blood is extremely small and it does not manifest itself in any way. |
Treatment |
There is no specific treatment for human papillomavirus. However, screening for cervical cancer is recommended for revealing possible precancerous conditions and cancer in women who are asymptomatic and feel perfectly healthy. If screening detects precancerous pathological conditions, they can be easily treated and thereby prevent the development of cancer. |
Duration |
Usually, the infection disappears without any treatment within a few months, and the complete “withdrawal” of it from the body occurs within 2 years. However, a reinfection is possible. |
Prognosis |
While human papillomavirus is not dangerous on itself, it has high probability of causing cancer later. HPV types that do not cause cancer (especially types 6 and 11) can cause genital warts and respiratory papillomatosis – a disease in which tumors grow in the airways leading from the nose and mouth to the lungs. Although these conditions very rarely lead to death, they can often lead to illness. Genital warts are widespread and highly infectious. |
Complications |
It has been established that cervical cancer in 100% of cases is caused by oncogenic types of human papillomavirus (HPV). In women with a normal immune system, cervical cancer develops in 15-20 years. In women with a weakened immune system, such as those with untreated HIV infection, it may take only 5-10 years to develop. Despite limited data on anogenital cancers other than cervical cancer, a growing body of evidence links human papillomavirus to cancers of the anus, vulva, vagina, and penis. |
Frequency in Population |
Almost 70% of the world population are carriers of the human papillomavirus without clinical manifestations of the disease. Re-infection during life is also possible. |
Deaths |
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally, with an estimated 570,000 new cases in 2018 and 7.5% of all cancer deaths in women. It is estimated that more than 85% of the more than 311,000 cervical cancer deaths each year occur in low- and middle-income countries. |
Society |
Seeing as in the last decade society has become increasingly more aware of the issue of HPV, vaccination and screening measures are widely promoted in the most countries. |