Microbiology: Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

Microbiology
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Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
Introduction
In this paper, the human papilloma virus is discussed in an in-depth manner. The kind of disease caused by HPV is described, along with the reason as to why I chose this virus. Moreover, the objective, methods as well as materials employed in the diagnosis of the disease are discussed.
Human Papilloma Virus
I chose this virus since it is an extremely common virus, and most of HPV infections happen in individuals who are in their early teens and 20s, and the incidence drops as people get older. According to Cleveland Clinic (2014), there are roughly 100 types of human papillomavirus which affect various body parts. Approximately 30 strains of this virus could affect the anus and rectum, as well as genitals in areas which include scrotum, penis, cervix, vagina and vulva. Roughly 80 percent of people who are sexually active are infected with human papilloma virus at some point in their lives, although many are never aware that they have the virus (Coutlee et al., 2009).
Disease caused by HPV: If untreated, HPV progress to cancer considering that human papillomavirus infections cause almost all cervical cancers, with only 2 strains of HPV, 18 and 16, being responsible for approximately 70% of all cervical cancer cases (National Cancer Institute, 2014). Besides cervical cancer, some human papillomavirus strains are known to cause penile, vulva and vaginal cancers, as well as cancer of the oropharynx.
Diagnosis: The objective of the diagnosis is basically to detect human papillomav...