Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

India’s push for vaccination of girls against HPV raises questions on its timing, promotion and pricing.

About Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?

HPV is a group of more than 200 related viruses, of which more than 40 are spread through direct sexual contact.

Among these, two HPV types cause genital warts, and about a dozen HPV types can cause certain types of cancer.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a small, non-enveloped deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) virus that infects skin or mucosal cells.

It is a common sexually transmitted infection which can affect the skin, genital area and throat.

Almost all sexually active people will be infected at some point in their lives, usually without symptoms.

In most cases the immune system clears HPV from the body.

Persistent infection with high-risk HPV can cause abnormal cells to develop, which go on to become cancer.

More than 95% of cervical cancer is caused by the HPV virus.

HPV Vaccination:

The HPV vaccine is a series of shots that can protect you from an HPV infection.

It prevents HPV infections that can progress to cancer or genital warts.

The HPV vaccination is more efficacious if given between the age group of 9-26 years.

Once a person gets HPV, the vaccine may not be as effective.

The HPV vaccine isn't given during pregnancy.

Viruses are non-cellular entities with genetic material enclosed in a protein coat called capsid. The viral genome is usually either RNA or DNA. Outside the host, viruses remain inert. But once inside host cells, they utilise the cell machinery to make copies of themselves, often destroying the host cell.

DNA Viruses: Adenovirus, Herpesvirus, Hepadnavirus

RNA Viruses: Picornavirus, Orthomyxovirus, Rhabdovirus