Abstract
Human papilloma virus (HPV) is among the most common virus diseases in the world. The virus is spread through direct contact of the skin. Even though there are over 100 kinds of the virus affecting different body parts, it is the kind that affects the human genitals that is most common. The infection affects people of all ages. Human Papilloma virus is also said to be the greatest cause of cervical cancer in women. Cervical cancer is the second largest killer cancer in the world. This type of cancer affects mostly women above 40 years of age. The spread of cervical cancer and Human Papilloma Virus is most serious in Africa. It is said that over 85 percent of the global infections and deaths occur in developing states such as African countries. South Africa is such a country. The nation has reported increasing cases of cervical cancer and HPV in the recent years. The South African government has taken initiatives through its health ministry to help alleviate cervical cancer and HPV infections in the country.
Human papilloma virus (HPV)
Introduction
Human papillomavirus simply referred to as HPV is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a virus. HPV is very common because there are about 100 kinds of HPV virus. Out of the 100 viruses, about 30 kinds affect the genitals such as penis, vulva, vagina, scrotum and cervix. The HPV virus is known to be the main source of cervical cancer. This virus affects mostly female humans. Cervical cancer occurs in a manner that the thin outer side of the uterus morph and grow at a very fast rate. A tumor develops on the cervix over time. Cervical cancer affects women at any age. However, it mostly affects women aged 40 and above. The HPV virus is the main cause of cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is ranked second among the most common kinds of cancer in the world. More so, about 85% of the casualties of cervical cancer are found in the developing countries.
Infections
The most common kind of HPV is the one that affects human genitals. Over 20 million people are said to have HPV infections at some point in time. Besides, there are 5.5 million new incidents of genital HPV annually. Research indicates that about 80% of sexually active individuals in South Africa are infected with HPV. Surprisingly, these people do not know whether they have the virus or not. HPV is transmitted through direct skin contact with an infected person. Such contact includes oral sex or vaginal sex. HPV infections result in warts in the genital areas. The warts are usually tough, rough lumps on the genitals. This is mostly common in women. An infected woman has the following characteristics. Warts develop on the cervix, groin, and vulva and around the vagina and anus.
Symptoms and treatment
Generally, HPV does not show any distinct symptoms. Even when they occur, they are only the appearance of warts in the genital areas. HPV victims show signs of infection after weeks, years or months after they have been infected by HPV. The diagnosis of HPV does not involve blood tests, although some blood tests can help the physician diagnose the disease. The best and effective forms of diagnosis of HPV are the colposcopy, Pap test and the HPV DNA test. Pap tests are conducted by removing sample cells from the cervix for examination. When any anomalies are noted in the structure of cervical cells, there could be an infection. Colposcopy is done by use of a colposcope. The instrument shines a light and also magnifies the cervix’s view. If a vinegar solution placed on the cervix turns white, then there is a HPV infection. DNA tests are used by examining the presence of HPV in DNA material. The sample used in DNA tests is obtained by use of pap smears.
There is no HPV treatment all over the world. Fortunately, the virus infection usually disappears on its own. About 70% to 90% of the HPV incidents are removed from the human body by the body’s immune system. However, when there is a need for treatment, physicians help in relieving the symptoms. This is done by removing the visible warts or abnormal cells on the outer ring of the cervix. To achieve this objective, doctors use the following processes; cryosurgery, electro cautery, loop electrosurgical excision procedure, prescription cream or laser therapy. The doctor could also choose to closely examine the patient closely.
Prevention
HPV can be prevented by use of protection such as condoms during sex. This only reduces the risk of contracting the virus because condoms do not provide cover for the whole genital area. Individuals who have warts or are aware that they have the HPV virus should abstain from sex to help stop spreading the infection. Ladies should also go for regular pap tests and pelvic exams to determine if there are any anomalies in the cervix. There is also a new vaccine for HPV that can help people avoid contracting the infection. The vaccine can be used on girls between 9-26 years old. It helps prevent the development of pre-cancer cells.
Relationship of HPV with cancer
Strains caused by HPV on the cervix cells causes them to change. This condition is referred to as cervical dysplasia. If left untreated, the condition progresses to become cervical cancer. However, not all cases of HPV result into cervical cancer. To protect against cervical cancer, women should go for regular tests to detect any pre-cancerous cells. All kinds of cancer are curable if they are discovered at an early stage. If a woman has a high risk HPV, they are likely to contract cervical cancer. In South Africa, several campaigns have been initiated by the health ministry to sensitize women on HPV and cervical cancer. The disease has become so common that the government has moved to help alleviate the problem.
South African case recommendations and conclusion
The minister of health services in South Africa, Aaron Motsoaledi can lead a task force that researched on the situation of HPV and cervical cancer and come up with several recommendations. The recommendations are in regard to treatment, vaccination, and screening of HPV programs. The government has decided to fund the cervical cancer screening project for all women. The ministry also recommends the funding of cervical cancer treatment in the country. Finally, the ministry recommends that the public should be informed on the importance of HPV vaccinations.
Works Cited
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Erdman and N Joanna. Human Rights In Health Equity: Cervical Cancer and HPV Vaccines. 2009. 15 December 2012
Fiander, A N. The Prevention of Cervical Cancer In Africa. 2011. 15 December 2012
Moodley, jennifer R, et al. Human papillomavirus prevalence, viral load and pre-cancerous lesions of the cervix in women initiating highly active antiretroviral therapy in South Africa: a cross-sectional study. Cape Town: BioMed Central 9(1): 1-8., 2009.
Natunen, Kari, et al. Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Hindawi: Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 2011.
Ouedraogo, Nobila, et al. Human Pappiloma Virus Vaccination in Africa. 2011. 2012
