Human papillomavirus

Clinical Manifestation

Human papillomavirus
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common causes of sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the world. Health experts estimate there are more cases of genital HPV infection than any other STI in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 6.2 million new cases of sexually transmitted HPV infections are reported every year. At least 20 million people in this country are already infected.
Genital warts
Genital warts (sometimes called condylomata acuminata or venereal warts) are the most easily recognized sign of genital HPV infection. Many people, however, have a genital HPV infection without genital warts.
Genital warts are soft, moist, or flesh colored and appear in the genital area within weeks or months after infection. They sometimes appear in clusters that resemble cauliflower-like bumps, and are either raised or flat, small or large. Genital warts can show up in women on the vulva and cervix, and inside and surrounding the vagina and anus. In men, genital warts can appear on the scrotum or penis. There are cases where genital warts have been found on the thigh and groin.
Prevention
The best way to prevent getting an HPV infection is to avoid direct contact with the virus, which is transmitted by skin-to-skin contact.  If you or your sexual partner has warts that can be seen in the genital area, you should avoid any skin-to-skin and sexual contact until the warts are treated.

Recently, the Food and and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a vaccine called Gardasil. Gardasil is highly effective in preventing persistent infection with HPV types 16 and 18, two "high-risk" HPVs that cause most (70 percent) of cervical cancers, and types 6 and 11, which cause virtually all (90 percent) of genital warts.

Gardasil has not been proven to provide complete protection against persistent infection with other HPV types, some of which also can cause cervical canter. Therefore, about 30 percent of cervical cancers and 10 percent of genital warts will not be prevented by the current vaccine. In addition, Gardasil does not prevent other STIs, nor does it treat HPV infection or cervical cancer.

The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)has federal HPV vaccine recommendations. In addition, the National Cancer Institute and CDC have more information on the HPV vaccine.

Historically, research studies have not confirmed that male latex condoms prevent transmission of HPV. Recent studies, however, demonstrate that consistent condom use by male partners suggests strong protection against low- and high-risk types of HPV infection in women.
 
Unfortunately, many people who don\'t have symptoms don\'t know that they can spread the virus to an uninfected partner.
 


It is recommended that you get the vaccine against this disease in case you are planning to visit any of the following countries:

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