Human Papilloma Virus or HPVs are a group of more than 100 viruses. They are termed papillomaviruses because certain types may cause papillomas or warts which are benign (non cancerous) tumors. The HPVs that cause the common warts which grow on hands and feet are different from those that cause growths in the throat or genital area. Genital HPV infections are very common and are sexually transmitted. Of the more than 100 types of HPVs, 30-40 types can be passed on from person to person through sexual contact. Genital HPV infects the skin and mucus membranes of humans including the skin of the penis, a woman’s vulva (the area outside the vagina), the anus, and the linings of the vagina cervix and rectum. Recent research show though that untreated HPV infections results in higher risks for women to develop cervical cancer.
Genital HPV infection is very common, with estimates suggesting that more than 50% of women will become infected with one or more of the sexually transmitted HPV types at some point during adulthood. The American Social Health Association reported estimates that about 75% of sexually active Americans will be infected with HPV at some point in their lifetime.
The Human Papilloma Virus develops along with our skin’s keratinocytes. Keratinocytes are one of the major cell types found on the skin’s upper layer (epidermis). The virus then attacks this special skin cells called epithelial cells and associates itself with receptors found on that area of the skin infected and thus leading the virus’ entry into the basal (base) epithelial cells found on our skin. This results in one of the most common symptoms of HPV infection which are warts. In some cases, a latency (quiet) period of months to years may occur. The latency period means the HPV virus is in an incubation period (dormant). Having sex with a partner whose HPV infection is in the incubation period still leaves one vulnerable to becoming infected. HPV virus can last from 3 months to 2 years without visible changes, making it difficult for an infected person to establish the source of infection.
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