HPV

=HPV (Human Papilloma Virus)= [image:http://i.imgur.com/1ImKSA8.png?1] HPV is a type of virus that infects epithelial cells that line the cervix. The virus consists of a small circular piece of DNA surrounded by '''capsid proteins''. These capsid proteins allow the virus to attach to their target cells and insert their DNA. The infected cell then produces many copies of the virus, which go on to infect other cells. There are over 100 known types of HPV and approximately 75% will be infected with an HPV virus during their lifetime. In a small number of individuals (5-10%) the infection persists without symptoms. There is high risk these women will develop tiny benign tumours (cells with altered shape / function) called papillomas. [image:http://i.imgur.com/uTfsq2R.png?1] In some cases the virus can integrate it’s DNA into the host cell's DNA. In doing so it may inactivate two tumor suppressor genes (genes that normally regulate / limit cell growth and initiate programmed cell death). In this case the precancerous lesions may progress to invasive cancer of the cervix. [image:http://i.imgur.com/zOdakE8.png?1] HPV virus types 16 & 18 are responsible for 70% of cervical cancers HPV virus types 6 & 11 are responsible for 90% of genital warts. [image:http://i.imgur.com/ct5LsBX.png?1]