Some Facts About Human Papilloma Virus

By The Associated Press

TRENTON, N.J. – There are about 40 types of human papilloma virus, the most common sexually transmitted disease.

-Worldwide, an estimated 630 million people are infected, including about 20 million Americans. Between 28 million and 40 million have precancerous infections.

-Four HPV types are believed to cause most disease: HPV 16 and 18 cause about 70 percent of cervical cancers, and HPV 6 and 11 cause 90 percent of genital warts.

-While genital warts are often visible, most people infected with HPV don’t know it because it causes no symptoms. Regular Pap smears detect precancerous lesions and early cervical cancer, improving survival odds.

-Two major pharmaceutical companies have vaccines in development. Merck & Co.’s Gardasil, which could get U.S. approval in early June, blocks infection by HPV 6, 11, 16 and 18. GlaxoSmithKline is testing Cervarix, which blocks HPV 16 and 18, and expects by the end of the year to apply for U.S. approval.

-Once the vaccines are in use, routine Pap screenings would still be needed because other types of HPV cause about 30 percent of cervical cancers.

-Men infected with HPV can get cancer on the penis, in the anus and in the mouth and throat.

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Sources: World Health Organization, Merck & Co., GlaxoSmithKline, AP interviews