WHAT IS HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS?

Human Papillomavirus, also known as HPV, is responsible for the most widespread sexually transmitted infection affecting millions of people worldwide. It is estimated that about 80% of sexually active people contract the virus at least once in their life.

More than 120 variants of HPV are known, 40 of which infect the epithelial tissues of the anogenital tract, mouth and throat, of which 14 variants are considered high risk (HPV16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66 and68). In most women (approximately 90%), HPV infections are asymptomatic and heal spontaneously within 2 years without the need for medical intervention. However, a small fraction of the infections caused by the 14 high-risk HPV variants can persist and progress to cervical cancer.

The 14 high-risk variants of HPV are responsible for almost all cases of cervical cancer and, therefore, the early diagnosis of HPV infections and the monitoring of persistent infections is essential to prevent the onset of cancer.