HPV and Vaccination

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Overview

Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is a collective term for approximately 100 types of viruses, some of which lead to abnormal growths or cell changes. Warts (e.g., plantar warts, warts on the tongue or tonsils), also called verrucae, are benign growths on the skin or mucous membranes that are caused by HPV.

Human papillomaviruses are spread through contact with the skin or mucous membranes (e.g., lining of the mouth or genitourinary tract). Genital HPV, which is a subset consisting of about 40 types of the virus, is spread through sexual contact (i.e., is a sexually transmitted disease [STD], also called a sexually transmitted infection [STI]). Genital HPV infection, which attacks skin and mucous membranes around the penis, vagina, cervix, vulva, anus, and rectum, can cause genital warts and increase the risk for cervical cancer.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 50% of sexually active adults will eventually contract HPV infection. In the United States, about 20 million people are currently infected with the virus and more than 6 million new cases are diagnosed each year.

In about 90% of cases, antibodies produced by the body's immune system are able to destroy the virus and fight off HPV infection within 2 years. In some cases, HPV infection does not completely clear up, even after many years. When this occurs, it is possible to continue to spread the virus to others.

Health care providers classify HPV as low risk and high risk. Low-risk HPV infections usually cause genital warts. High-risk infections are more likely to develop into cancer (e.g., cervical cancer), especially if the infection persists for 2 years or longer.

In June 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the vaccine Gardasil®, for use in girls and young women between the ages of 9 and 26. This vaccine does not treat HPV infection, but it can help prevent types of HPV that cause genital warts and cervical cancer, if it is given before exposure to these viruses.

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