Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

The HPV is a small, non-enveloped DNA virus that infects skin or mucosal cells.

It is highly transmissible, with peak incidence soon after the onset of sexual activity, and most persons acquire infection at some time in their lives.

Most people will not have any symptoms from an HPV infection. The immune system usually clears HPV from the body within a year or two with no lasting effects.

HPV infection that does not go away on its own can cause changes to cervical cells, which lead to precancers that may become cervical cancer if left untreated. It usually takes 15–20 years for cervical cancer to develop after HPV infection.

Nearly all cervical cancer is due to HPV, and two strains – HPV16 and HPV18 – account for 70% of all cases.