The HPV Virus
The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is thought to infect 20 million people in the US at any one point in time. Many arent aware that they carry the virus which can be transmitted through any kind of sexual activity. According to the US Center for Disease Control (CDC) approximately 50% of sexually active adults will have HPV at some point in their lives. By age 50, 80% of women will have been infected. With most strains, the infection will be eliminated by the bodys immune system within a few years, but some strains persist longer.
HPV and Cancer
There are over a hundred different types, two of which cause 70% of the cervical cancers. Other strains cause cervical cancer to a lesser degree. This is the primary concern over HPV and is the reason that doctors try for early detection of HPV infections.
Pap Tests for HPV
Prior to 1999, the only test for HPV was a Pap test. In a Pap test, a laboratory technician visually examines a sample of cervical cells under a microscope to look for abnormal changes. Thus, the findings no matter what type is used are inexact, and are subject to human error and interpretation.
The Digene Test
A newer test, approved by the FDA in 1999 catches 100% of HPV infections using a proprietary biochemical reaction that produces an obvious sign; the chemistry, when it involves an HPV infection, actually produces a glow which can be read on a meter. There is no human interpretation and therefore no human error. The test, known as the Digene HPV Test, uses advanced molecular technology to detect the DNA (genetic material) of 13 high-risk types of HPV. The test is done at the same time as the Pap, so women need only ask for it. The simple test can be done in any laboratory with a minimum of training.
By combining the HPV and Pap tests, the ability to identify women at risk for cervical cancer is increased to virtually 100 percent. In one study, Digenes HPV test identified 100 percent of the women with advanced cervical disease (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia [CIN] grades 2 and 3), compared to only 58 percent identified by the conventional Pap and 84 percent by the newer, liquid-based Pap test.
Causes of HPV Infections
Most women get HPV infections from sexual activities with men. Unfortunately for the women, men usually have no symptoms and so are unaware that they are spreading this serious illness which could potentially cause cancer. In rare occasions men may develop penile cancer, but usually men are never aware of their disease which may last for many years, even a lifetime.
Vaccines
There is a controversial vaccine for HPV called Garasil which is being given to young girls as young as 9 years old. Apparently people as convinced that it is young women who are giving the disease to men rather than men giving the disease to women. Perhaps someone can comment on this article and explain the logic of giving this vaccine to young girls and not to both sexes.
