There are various strains of the human papilloma virus (HPV), which is a fairly common sexually transmitted infection. Many of them are harmless and disappear on their own, however, there are strains of HPV that cause serious health issues such as cancer and genital warts.
“There are about 130 different kinds of HPV, of which 40 affect the genital tract,” says HIV clinician Dr Kairoonisha “Kay” Mahomed*. “What we find is that 80% of people can eliminate HPV naturally, but in 20% the HPV persists and puts people at an increased risk of cervical, vulval, anal and penile cancer.”
Potential complications
HPV affects both men and women, and is spread relatively quickly through skin-to-skin contact – largely through unprotected oral, anal and vaginal sex with someone who has the virus.
The virus only poses a serious problem when it can’t be cleared in 18 months, which is even more likely with immunocompromised people. This means that HIV patients are particularly at risk, says Dr Mohammed. These patients also show symptoms earlier. “It incubates for about one to eight months, Thereafter, you get your first lesion and active growth of the infection for about three to six months,” Dr Mohammed explains. HPV can also lead to genital warts, which are cauliflower-like lesions that can recur. The earlier they are treated, the better. “They are stubborn and difficult to get rid of,” says Dr Mahommed.
Depending on the immune response and the health of the host, HPV can advance further. However, this can take 10-15 years. “You will not know that it has persisted until then, which is why it is so important to go for regular screenings and pap smears,” Dr Mohammed says. Patients will be referred for further testing (most likely a colonoscopy and a biopsy) if anything is detected.
You can book a pap smear at your nearest Clicks Clinic. Click here to to make a booking
Free pap smears are available at public health clinics. “In government guidelines, women are allowed two pap smears in their lifetime – one at age 40 and one at age 50. If you are HIV-positive, you can have one every year,” she says.
New testing technology emerging in the form of a self-test kit. “It is called a Cervical Cancer Self-Sampling Test Kit. A mini tampon is inserted, which is then sent off to the lab to look for malignant strains,” Dr Mohammed explains.
There is an HPV vaccine available, which is highly effective if you haven’t already been exposed to the virus. The vaccine can be given up to age 26 but is best given before age 15, or the start of sexual activity.
*Dr Kairoonisha “Kay” Mahomed runs an HIV clinic at Netcare Garden City Hospital in Johannesburg.
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