Human papilloma virus

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) /ˌhjuːmən ˌpæpɪˈloʊmə ˈvaɪrəs/ is a group of more than 200 related viruses, of which more than 40 are spread through direct sexual contact. Among these, several HPV types cause genital warts, and about a dozen HPV types can cause certain types of cancer—cervical, anal, oropharyngeal, penile, vulvar, and vaginal.

Etymology

The term "papilloma" refers to a kind of wart that results from some HPV types. "Papilloma" is derived from the Latin papilla (nipple) due to the nipple-like appearance of some warts.

Types of HPV

HPV is divided into two groups: low-risk HPVs, which do not cause cancer but can cause skin warts (technically known as condyloma acuminata) on or around the genitals and anus; and high-risk HPVs, which can cause cancer.

Transmission

HPV is transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin or sexual contact. It is so common that nearly all sexually active men and women get it at some point in their lives.

Prevention and Treatment

Vaccines can protect against the types of HPV that most often cause cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. HPV vaccines are used in many countries today as a preventive measure against these types of cancers. The vaccines include Gardasil, Gardasil 9, and Cervarix.

HPV infections that cause warts can be treated with medications such as podophyllin, trichloroacetic acid, and imiquimod.

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Human papilloma virus