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Gravitt PE, Winer RL. Natural History of HPV Infection across the Lifespan: Role of Viral Latency. Viruses. 2017 Sep 21;9(10):267. doi: 10.3390/v9100267. PMID: 28934151; PMCID: PMC5691619.

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Affiliations

¹ Department of Global Health, George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, Washington, DC 20052, USA. pgravitt@gwu.edu.

² Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA 98195, USA. rlw@uw.edu.

Free PMC article

Free PMC article

Affiliations

¹ Department of Global Health, George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, Washington, DC 20052, USA. pgravitt@gwu.edu.

² Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA 98195, USA. rlw@uw.edu.

Abstract

Large-scale epidemiologic studies have been invaluable for elaboration of the causal relationship between persistent detection of genital human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and the development of invasive cervical cancer. However, these studies provide limited data to adequately inform models of the individual-level natural history of HPV infection over the course of a lifetime, and particularly ignore the biological distinction between HPV-negative tests and lack of infection (i.e., the possibility of latent, undetectable HPV infection). Using data from more recent epidemiological studies, this review proposes an alternative model of the natural history of genital HPV across the life span. We argue that a more complete elucidation of the age-specific probabilities of the alternative transitions is highly relevant with the expanded use of HPV testing in cervical cancer screening. With routine HPV testing in cervical cancer screening, women commonly transition in and out of HPV detectability, raising concerns for the patient and the provider regarding the source of the positive test result, its prognosis, and effective strategies to prevent future recurrence. Alternative study designs and analytic frameworks are proposed to better understand the frequency and determinants of these transition pathways.

Keywords: cervical cancer; latency; papillomavirus.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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cervical intraepithelial neoplasia / diagnosis

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cervical intraepithelial neoplasia / virology

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papillomavirus infections / prevention & control

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papillomavirus vaccines / therapeutic use

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uterine cervical neoplasms / epidemiology*

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national center for biotechnology information

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Natural History of HPV Infection across the Lifespan: Role of Viral Latency - PubMed

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Large-scale epidemiologic studies have been invaluable for elaboration of the causal relationship between persistent detection of genital human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and the development of invasive cervical cancer. However, these studies provide limited data to adequately inform models of t ...

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This figure is outlining the natural history of human papillomavirus infection and cervical cancer. Purple boxes indicate well-accepted natural history model parameters; blue boxes represent uncertainties.

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Patti E. Gravitt, Ph.D., M.S.; George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health

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Someone You Love: The HPV Epidemic
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HPV: Human Papillomavirus and You | Cincinnati Children's

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1. Medications: Topical medications such as salicylic acid, imiquimod, and podofilox can be used to get rid of the warts, but these are very strong medications and should not be used unless prescribed.
2. Surgical Operations: If medications are not working, medical procedures such as cryotherapy, electrocautery, surgical removal of the warts, and laser surgery can be recommended to remover the warts.
3. Treatments for HPV in the Cervix: Treatments that can be done if an abnormal pap smear result has occurred include a procedure called a colposcopy to look closer and possibly take a biopsy of the cervical HPV to be tested for cervical cancer.

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Vaccination: The HPA vaccine can be first administered at the age of 9 years old but is recommended at the ages of 11-12 years old, and that they are given two doses 6-12 months apart. Only two doses are needed when administered before the 15th birthday mark, but if that deadline is not reached, three doses will be needed for those starting the series at a later age. This vaccination is not recommended for those over the age of 26 years old. (More)
Pap Smears: Routine pap smears are essential in the prevention of cervical cancer in women. HPV can be detected and treated faster when found early and will reduce the likelihood of developing cervical cancer due to untreated HPV. (More)

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HPV can be diagnosed by a doctor just looking at the warts, but if they are not visible, a doctor can perform certain tests to confirm HPV:
1. Vinegar solution test: A vinegar solution applied to HPV-infected genital areas turns the warts white.
2. Pap test: A sample of cells from your cervix or vagina is collected to send for laboratory analysis.
3. DNA test: Can recognize the DNA of the high-risk varieties of HPV of cells from the cervix.
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1. genital warts
2. common warts
3. plantar warts
4. flat warts
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a DNA virus from the Papillomaviridae family

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HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease that includes many different types that can cause an array of different health problems and symptoms to those who are infected. (More)

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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HPV is a common virus that can lead to certain types of cancer later in life. Getting your 11-12 year-old child two doses of the HPV vaccine can prevent these cancers.