About Careers Internship MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

More Than Two-thirds of Americans Have HPV: Study

by Sheela Philomena on May 21, 2014 at 10:34 AM
 More Than Two-thirds of Americans Have HPV: Study

Researchers say more than two-thirds of healthy US adults are infected with the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can lead to genital warts and in some cases, cancer.

The findings are based on tissue samples from 103 people, provided to the National Institutes of Health as part of their Human Microbiome Project to study how microorganisms affect health.

Advertisement

A full 69 percent had HPV, said the study led by researchers at New York University Langone Medical Center.

Most of the strains of HPV that were detected, 109 in all, were not the type that are linked to cancers of the cervix, anus, penis, mouth and throat, said the findings presented at a meeting of the American Society of Microbiology in Boston.
Advertisement

Just four of the people sampled -- men and women between the ages of 18 and 80 -- carried strains of HPV type 16 and 18, which can trigger cancer.

Experts say HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States, and that most people contract it in some form during their lifetimes.

Often the body clears the infection on its own, though some strains can linger and lead to cancer.

"Our study offers initial and broad evidence of a seemingly 'normal' HPV viral biome in people that does not necessarily cause disease and that could very well mimic the highly varied bacterial environment in the body, or microbiome, which is key to maintaining good health," said senior study investigator and NYU Langone pathologist Zhiheng Pei.

Researchers did not break down the infections by age group.

HPV was most commonly found on the skin, where its prevalence was 61 percent. Skin samples were taken from the areas behind the ear and in front of the nostril.

After that, it was most common in the vagina (42 percent), mouth (30 percent) and gut (17 percent).

Pei said the findings also show that current tests for HPV only look for about a dozen strains and so are likely missing many of those actually exist.

Broader methods of detecting HPV and better diagnostic tests are needed, the researchers said.

Source: AFP
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Latest Sexual Health News

Can Stress Cause Infertility?
Sexual performance and sperm health are found to be affected with the increased levels of stress, thereby causing infertility.
Four-step Plan for Detecting Sexually Transmitted Infections
The tests identified 255 cases of gonorrhea, chlamydia, or syphilis, most of which (86 percent) would have otherwise gone undetected for lack of symptoms.
Top 10 Reasons of Dullness in the Marital Sex
Can getting married dull your sexual life? Yes, actually it can. After a while, long-term relationships can start to feel monotonous.
Mindfulness: Zoom Sessions Beneficial for Sexual Health After Cancer
Facilitators can moderate group discussions via zoom successfully and should encourage each participant to speak openly.
Sperm Age may Help Predict Pregnancy Success
Higher sperm epigenetic aging is associated with a longer time to become pregnant in couples not assisted by fertility treatment.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
MediBotMediBot
Greetings! How can I assist you?MediBot
×

More Than Two-thirds of Americans Have HPV: Study Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests