HPV is a DNA virus that infects the epithelium and mucous membrane, entering through clathrin-dependent endocytosis. Once the virus enters these cells, it releases its viral deoxyribonucleic acids (DNA) into the cytoplasm. The DNA then binds to the capsid protein L2 and travels into the nucleus where it replicate uncontrollably. Often times, HPV infections do not show symptoms and eventually disappear because of the body’s immune system.
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Of the numerous types of HPV, studies have found that there are 13 HPV genotypes that are oncogenic, or can cause cancer. Genital HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. It is so common because it can be easily spread through sexual intercourse and genital skin-to-skin contact. Some of the deleterious genotypes can cause precancerous alterations that can lead to several types of cancers, numerous skin diseases, and other diseases that affect the mucous membranes. Examples of skin diseases that can stem from HPV are verrucae vulgares, verruca planae, periungual warts, butcher’s warts, and epidermodysplasia verruciformis. Other mucosal diseases that are caused by HPV include erthroplasia of queyrat, carcinoma of the penis, cervical dysplasia and carcinoma, head and neck carcinomas, and genital warts (condylomata acuminata). The risks of receiving genital warts increases if one has more than one sexual partners, is sexually active at a young age, uses tobacco and alcohol, has a weak immune system, or has a viral infection. Furthermore, genotypes 16 and 18, in particular, are the most commonly linked with cervical cancer. The American Association for Cancer Research claims that HPV types 16 and 18 are associated in approximately seventy percent of cervical cancer worldwide and more than ninety percent of noncervical cancers. Thus, it is evident that although the body may be able to fight off HPV, there is always a possibility that the virus can form into any of these gruesome diseases or cancers.