What are the Causes of Human Papilloma Virus (hpv)?

IntroductionGenital Warts are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), and resemble warts found on other parts of the body. Human papilloma virus (HPV) types 6,11,16,18 commonly cause anogenital infection, whereas types 1,2,3,4 and 10 cause skin warts. Warts usually appear 2 to 8 months after the infection has been acquired, but may take longer, even years, to appear. Asymptomatic infection is also common.It is important to realise that many people can be infected with the genital wart virus but show no obvious lumpy warts. Individuals infected with the virus, even without the lesions, can infect sexual partners. Some women have no evidence of genital wart virus, except on their Pap smear. How is HPV Transmitted?Although there are over 100 different strains of the virus, about 30 of them are considered to be sexually transmitted diseases,and are spread through sexual contact – most commonly vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Typically, the first symptom that an individual infected with HPV will experience is Genital Warts. Herpes is contagious just prior to and during an outbreak. The most contagious period is when the cold sore (canker sore) orGenital Herpes virus is replicating externally prior to an outbreak and during the outbreak when the lesions are filled with fluid. It is almost impossible to contract the herpes virus from inanimate objects such as toilet seats. The cold sore and Genital Herpes viruses are spread through direct contact. The soft skin of the genitals, vagina and anus along with most surfaces of the moutharea are easy targets. Kissing, caressing and sexual contact with a person in the contagious stage will spread the disease.Signs & Symptoms·    Skin colored, pink or white lesions anywhere in the genital area·    Lesions may by flat or raised and smooth or bumpy “cauliflower” appearance·    HPV usually does not cause itching or burning·    HPV can cause cell changes on a pap smear·    Often there are no symptomsLong Term EffectsGenital Warts can be treated but not cured. The treatment can help make you feel better and can help take away the warts, but you will always have the virus. Having the virus can cause these problems:·    You can pass it to others.·    You have a higher chance of getting HIV (the virus that causes AIDS).TreatmentMedicationsGenital warts treatments that can be applied directly to your skin include:·    Imiquimod (Aldara). This cream appears to boost your immune system’s ability to fight genital warts. Avoid sexual contact while the cream is on your skin. It may weaken condoms and diaphragms and may irritate your partner’s skin.Human papillomavirus (HPV) – cervical cancer and genital wartsteenage girl HPV There are many (over 100) types of Human papillomavirus (HPV), around 40 of which are sexually acquired and can infect the genital tract. Certain genital HPV infections can cause cervical cancer, other cancers and genital warts. HPV types associated with cancer are called oncogenic or ‘high risk’ types #58; 13 have been recognised by the WHO International Agency for Research on Cancer.