Human Papilloma Virus (Hpv) Infections: A Review

Worldwide, HPV infections are one of the most common sexually-transmitted infections (STI). It is of various types. Every category is associated with several conditions. It ranges from benign to severe. Benign are common warts and severe conditions are genital warts, vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia and invasive carcinoma of cervical epithelial cells. Worldwide, cervical cancer is one of the foremost causes of cancer deaths among women. The virus invades epithelial cells enabling its evasion of the host immune systems due to certain characteristics. HPV is spread by intimate contact with an infected partner. At present a vaccine is available as primary prevention against HPV infections. Effective and timely administration of this vaccine is crucial towards decreasing disease burden of HPV-induced genitourinary cancers. Unique approaches may need to be considered to increase uptake of the HPV vaccine. In India, awareness of this vaccination is not there and it is not in the national immunization schedule.