HPV and its clinical manifestations

The human papillomavirus, known as HPV, is a virus that settles on the skin or mucous membranes and affects men and women regardless of age. Currently, infection by the virus is the most frequent disease that causes Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) and is the main viral infection transmitted by sexual intercourse. Many cases are asymptomatic and are spontaneously eliminated by the body. There are several types of HPV, where more than 30 can affect the genital areas of both sexes, causing various diseases, such as genital warts, cancers of the cervix, vagina, vulva, anus and penis. And also those that cause tumours in the inside of the mouth and throat (oropharynx, larynx). Four types are most common and cause most of the diseases related to the infection. HPV types 16 and 18 (about 70%) of cervical cancer cases worldwide. With 16 being the one that most affects the head and neck part. HPV 11 causes approximately 90% of genital warts.