Study Notes on Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

Pathophysiology

  • Transmission:

    • Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is primarily transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, which often occurs during sexual activity.

  • Disease Progression:

    • Warts caused by HPV may eventually be cleared by the body over time, although the virus may remain latent in some cases.

Symptoms

  • General:

    • HPV infection is frequently asymptomatic, meaning many individuals may not exhibit any noticeable signs of infection.

  • Specific Symptoms:

    • Genital warts can occur in both men and women, presenting as soft growths or lumps in the genital area.

Diagnosis

  • Methods:
    • Diagnosis typically involves a biopsy procedure, which is conducted to confirm the presence of HPV, while also ruling out other potential wart-related conditions or infections.

Strains of HPV

  • Non-Cancerous Strains:

    • The HPV strains that lead to the development of warts do not carry a significant risk of cancer.
    • Specific strains responsible for genital warts include:
      • Strains 6 & 11: Commonly associated with genital wart formation.

  • Cancerous Strains:

    • Strains that have the potential to cause cancer include:
    • Strains 16 & 18: These strains are recognized for their high association with the development of various cancers, including cervical cancer.

Treatment and Prevention

  • Vaccination:

    • Gardasil Vaccine: Recommended for individuals aged 9-45, this vaccine protects against approximately 90% of the most common and dangerous HPV strains.

  • Treatment Options for Warts:

    • TCA Therapy (Trichloroacetic Acid Therapy): This is a professional treatment that involves the application of a chemical agent to freeze and remove warts.
    • BCA Removal: Refers to a procedure for physically removing warts, potentially through surgical techniques.
    • At-Home Topical Treatments: Individuals may also utilize topical treatments available for wart removal that can be applied at home, aiding in the management of symptoms and appearance of warts.