HPV Infection Rates Higher than Expected

A recent study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases found that 4 out of 5 of the sexually active adolescent females that participated in the study were infected with the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a group of viruses that cause both genital and skin warts as well as cervical cancer. This particluar study focused on an adolescent population and included 60 sexually active females, ages 14-17. As part of the study, the participants agreed to keep a record of their sexual behavior as well as perform a weekly self swab of the vaginal area to submit for HPV testing. The researchers found that 49 of the 60 participants were infected with HPV, some with multiple types. 39% of the women were infected with high risk HPV, which is the group of viruses that cause cervical cancer. 37% of these adolescent females already had some degree of cervical cellular abnormality.

The researchers hypothesized that the "extremely high" rate of infection in this sample was due to the frequent testing (1x/week)  as many incidences of infection are only detectable for a few weeks. Most people are tested annually at their regular GYN visit and only when abnormal cells are detected on their Pap smear.

HPV is a group of approximately 100 related viruses that cause different types of warts, such as skin warts and genital warts. Most are very benign and short lived often showing no noticable signs and symptoms. However, a few of these viruses can cause microscopic warts and changes in the cells of the cervix, potentially leading to cervical cancer if not detected and treated. Detecting cervical cancer and precancerous changes of the cervix is done through the Pap Smear. If there is an abnormality in the Pap Smear, a sample may be taken to test for these high risk HPV types which will determine how aggressively one needs to be treated. With a liquid based Pap Smear medium, such as ThinPrep, the cells for HPV testing are sampled simultaneaously and HPV typing will be performed only when an abnormality in the cervical cells are detected. At Chelsea Well Woman Care, we continue to use ThinPrep Pap smears as our screening tool for cervical cancer.

While high risk HPV is one risk factor for cervical cancer, other factors include cigarette smoking, HIV infection and lack of regular screening. We can reduce our risk of cervical cancer by limiting the number of lifetime sexual partners we have, thus limiting our exposure to HPV and HIV, practice safer sex, quitting smoking and by visiting our health care provider for our annual Pap smear.