The HPV virus (Human Papillomavirus) is a fairly common pathogen, which is often the cause of neoplasms, especially cervical cancer. So what should we know about it and how to detect it?

HPV infection

Sexual contact is the main cause of HPV infection. However, in some cases, the transmission of the virus is also possible through direct contact, for example, with infected tissues of the labia, scrotum and perianal area, and even using the same towel or wearing an infected person’s underwear. It is important to remember that any person who has had sexual intercourse may be a potential carrier of the virus, and if an infected woman is pregnant, there is also a risk of transmitting the virus to the newborn during childbirth.

Both women and men can become infected with HPV. In the case of infections in women, studies have shown that the DNA of the human papillomavirus can combine with the DNA of cervical epithelial cells, where it can remain dormant for up to several years, and thus the infected cells can become cancerous, leading to cervical cancer. However, in men, the infection may lead to the development of cancer of the anus or penis.

HPV virus – prevention and symptoms

Human papillomavirus infection is not always associated with unequivocal symptoms. That is why the most important prophylaxis is simply to undergo regular examinations. However, it should be remembered that the Pap smear test usually only provides a partial picture of the current state of health. It happens that the results of the cytology turn out to be falsely negative because this type of test is not a sensitive enough test. Therefore, the best solution is to correlate the cytological test results with the real-time PCR test. This solution allows you to make the most reliable diagnosis.

HPV infection is most often manifested by frequent fungal or bacterial infections. That is why the symptoms are: itching and burning in intimate parts, as well as purulent discharge. In men, on the other hand, there are changes in the penis in the form of warts or lumps of pink or brown colour.

Testing for HPV

In the genitourinary system infection category, genXone offers a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection diagnosis test available in the online store HERE. Due to the often asymptomatic course of HPV infection and the high oncogenic potential of some types of the virus, it is extremely important not only to identify it but also to differentiate it. Therefore, by the guidelines of the Polish Gynecological Society, the offered study covers a wide range of high-risk genotypes. This single study identifies 28 viral genotypes – 19 highly oncogenic and 9 low oncogenic genotypes.