Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Human papillomavirus (HPV) that is responsible for genital warts and the majority of cases of cervix dysplasia usually resides in the cells of skin and mucosa. This virus is most often transmitted by sex, but there are also other ways of transmission. Human papillomavirus (HPV) can be spread by direct contact with the skin or mucosa of the infected person. The HPV infection may not cause obvious signs, and for this reason most infected persons don’t know that they are virus carriers.

Rather often the infection develops because the immune system of the person is weakened. The virus may stay inactive for a long period in the cell. But in case of immune weakness it may become active and cause different problems. The risk of HPV-associated conditions is low if the person avoids risky sexual behavior and doesn’t smoke. At the same time, if visible signs of human papillomavirus infection are absent, it does not guarantee that the person is not infected. Once infected, it is possible that the person will be a life-long carrier.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) gets inside the cell and affects the DNA of the cell. The cellular structures undergo changes and the infected cell produces new viral particles. Available treatments can not destroy the virus inside the cell. It is possible to remove infected cells by various surgical procedures, however, the main problem is how to define if the cell is infected or not, since visually normal cells may also be infected. When treating this infection it is important to stimulate immune mechanisms that are able to detect and destroy the virus directly.  

Human papillomavirus (HPV) may cause different kinds of warts (condylomas, papillomas) and dysplasia in the anogenital area. This virus is the main risk factor for cancer of the cervix. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is detected in about 95% of women with cervical cancer. The early screening of HPV and related conditions in women is of great importance since it gives the opportunity to prevent the development of cancerous lesions on the cervix.

There are different diagnostic tests used for the detection of Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Warts may be identified during visual inspection of the skin and mucosal membranes. In case the presence of lesions caused by Human papillomavirus (HPV) is suspected, it may be required to realize histological and cytological tests. Nowadays there are also special techniques available that allow to detect DNA and identify the type of Human papillomavirus (HPV).