What is the Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?
There are over 200 known genetically different strains of human papillomavirus. Some strains of the virus are responsible for common warts and plantar warts (warts on the bottom of the feet). Other strains can infect the inner lining of the cervix; these strains are divided into low risk and high risk strains. The high risk strains are those strongly associated with cervical cancer. Two high risk strains, 16 and 18, are thought to be responsible for over 70% of cervical cancer cases. Low risk strains 6 and 11 are responsible for a large percentage of genital warts.(1)
Other than the appearance of genital warts, infection with the human papillomavirus is asymptomatic (doesn't have symptoms). In most cases HPV doesn't cause any problems and is cleared by the immune system.(2)
Prevalence
A 2007 study in United States found approximately 26.8% of all women examined (aged 14-59) were infected with the human papillomavirus. It is important to note that most HPV infections are cleared within two years (i.e. most infections are not lifelong).(3)
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14-19 ~ 24.5%
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20-24 ~ 44.8%
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25-29 ~ 27.4%
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30-39 ~ 27.5%
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40-49 ~ 25.2%
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50-59 ~ 19.6%
Transmission
The human papillomavirus is transmitted via skin-skin contact. Sexual intercourse is not necessary for transmission, but is the most common route. The virus can infect the genital, anal, and oral regions of the body. Infection occurs when viruses enter into small breaks in the skin or mucous membranes. The probability of acquiring HPV from a single sexual encounter is not known, but is probably high.(4)
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