Infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) is becoming an epidemic. Reports indicate that about 170,000 Americans sought help for genital warts in 1966, and by 1984 this number had climbed to 1.15 million -- an almost seven-fold increase.
Although the rapid increase in this sexually transmitted infection is relatively recent, medical interest in warts is not. The infectious nature of human warts has been known since 1907.
Over the last 50 years, we've learned that papillomaviruses are a family of viruses that cause warts at various sites in the body. We also know that some may be related to cancer. Dr. Keerti Shah, professor of immunology and infectious diseases at the Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health, has studied these viruses extensively and discussed some of the current thinking about papillomaviruses in relation to genital warts and cervical cancer.
Q: How can women avoid infection?
A: Women who have partners with warts or who themselves have warts of the external genital region should know they have high risk of having a lesion on the cervix and should seek medical help. Routine Pap tests and gynecological exams will detect unrecognized lesions that can then be carefully followed to avoid any serious long-term consequences.
To avoid this sexually transmitted infection, women and their partners must avoid high-risk behaviors that increase the probability of contact with an infected person.
Q: What are the signs of infection with the human papillomavirus?
A: HPV causes warts on skin and mucous membranes. The virus attacks the dividing cells of the tissue's basal layer, gaining access through trauma sites.
Growths appear on hands or other skin surfaces, the respiratory tract, oral cavity or genital tract. The lesions of the genital tract can be either a raised wart that is found on sites other than the cervix, or flat warts called condylomata, which are common to the cervix.
There are about 60 different types of papillomaviruses and specific types are related to the occurrence of warts at different sites on the body.
Q: How common are HPV infections of the genital tract?
A: Since many HPV infections do not have symptoms, the exact frequency of infection is unknown. However, scientists estimate that 10 percent of young men and women currently have recognized infections, and the rate may be twice this number if those without any symptoms are included.
