User:Mr. Ibrahem/Human papillomavirus infection

Human papillomavirus infection (HPV infection) is an infection caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). About 90% of HPV infections cause no symptoms and resolve spontaneously within two years. However, in some cases, an HPV infection persists and results in either warts or precancerous lesions. These lesions, depending on the site affected, increase the risk of cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, anus, mouth, or throat. Nearly all cervical cancer is due to HPV; two types, HPV16 and HPV18, account for 70% of cases. Between 60% and 90% of the other cancers listed above are also linked to HPV. HPV6 and HPV11 are common causes of genital warts and laryngeal papillomatosis.

An HPV infection is caused by human papillomavirus, a DNA virus from the papillomavirus family. Over 170 types have been described. More than 40 types may be spread through sexual contact and infect the anus and genitals. Risk factors for persistent infection by sexually transmitted types include early age of first sexual intercourse, multiple sexual partners, smoking, and poor immune function. These types are typically spread by sustained direct skin-to-skin contact, with vaginal and anal sex being the most common methods. Also, HPV infection can spread from a mother to baby during pregnancy. There is no evidence that HPV can spread via common items like toilet seats, but the types that cause warts may spread via surfaces such as floors. An individual can become infected with more than one type of HPV. HPV is only known to affect humans.

HPV vaccines can prevent the most common types of infection. To be most effective, vaccination should be used before the onset of sexual activity, and are therefore recommended between the ages of 9–13 years. Regular male condom use may reduce female HPV infection by around 70%, though areas not covered may infect the outer anogenital area. Lifetime monogamy, or sexual abstinence may reduce genital HPV infection. Cervical cancer screening, such as the Papanicolaou test ("pap smear"), or examination of the cervix after applying acetic acid, can detect both early cancer and abnormal cells that may develop into cancer. Screening allows for early treatment which results in better outcomes. Screening has reduced both the number of cases and the number of deaths from cervical cancer. Genital warts can be removed by freezing.

Nearly all people are infected by HPV, at some point in their lives. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI), globally. Worldwide in 2018, an estimated 569,000 new cases of cervical cancer occurred, with 311,000 deaths. Around 85% of these cervical cancers occurred in low- and middle-income countries. In the United States, about 30,700 cases of cancer due to HPV occur each year. Roughly, 1% of sexually active adults, have genital warts. Cases of skin warts have been described since the time of ancient Greece, while the fact that they are caused by a virus was determined in 1907.