Human papillomaviruses are abbreviated with the initials HPV. HPVs are a group of over one hundred viruses. A virus is a microscopic particle that can cause infection in a biological host. Certain human papillomaviruses are capable of causing warts. Warts are a form of benign or non-cancerous tumors. Other papillomaviruses can cause cancer. HPVs can be transmitted from person to person via sexual contact such as intercourse. Many HPVs will go away and show no symptoms at all. Others may linger in a person’s body and later cause cell abnormalities.
Hpv Infection
Nearly all sexually active women will be infected with an HPV at some point in time. Certain specific strains of HPV can cause cervical cancer. Most women have immune systems that are able to suppress the cancer cells. A small percentage of women are unable to suppress the strains of HPV. This can lead to changes in cells in the cervix that will ultimately lead to cervical cancer. Infection with human papillomaviruses may also lead to other cancers such as cancers of the anus, vulva and vagina. HPV infection may be prevented a long-term sexually monogamous relationship as well as using condoms when having intercourse. However, a condom may not cover all vaginal areas and infection may be spread that way.
The HPV vaccine can be administered to prevent transmission of human papillomaviruses. The vaccine protects the person against being infected with four different types of HPV: six, eleven, sixteen and eighteen. HPV types sixteen and eighteen are responsible for nearly seventy percent of cervical cancers. HPV types six and eleven are responsible for nearly ninety percent of genital warts transmission. Genital warts can feel quite unpleasant if left untreated.
Vaccine Protection
The HPV vaccine is similar to other vaccines. Once the vaccine is administered the body creates an immune response that protects against infection. The body produces a type of protein called an antibody. The antibody is made by plasma cells. Antibodies may work in different ways. Some will destroy a foreign substance immediately. Others will help make it easier for white blood cells to destroy the invader. The HPV vaccine causes the production of antibodies that protect against infection. This infection leads to changes in the cervix that create cervical cancer. Three doses are thought necessary to make sure that a full immune response is produced. The vaccine is believed to protect against infection for at least four years and probably much longer. Additional vaccination may be necessary in the future for continued safety.
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