Human Papilloma virus (HPV) is a group of more than 150 viruses of small size related to each other; about 40 have oncogenic potential.
Transmission
HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection in both men and women. The virus can be found in the cervix, vulva, vagina, anal canal, throat, mouth, penis and scrotum.
HPV infection is one of the most common STIs. In Kenya it affects 28-46% of women annually.
Classification
HPV classification is based on carcinogenic potential: LOW RISK strains (HPV-6 and HPV-11) are found in genital warts, INTERMEDIATE RISK (HPV-39 and HPV-56) are detected in anogenital lesions while HIGH RISK (HPV-16 and HPV-18) are involved in cervical carcinogenesis.
HPV and Cervical Cancer risk
90 % of cervical cancer is caused by high-risk HPV genotype. The persistence of HPV infection in some patients may lead to disease progression to low-grade cervical lesions, high-grade lesions and ultimately to cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of death among cancers in women in Kenya.
Over 5000 cases are diagnosed annually while annual mortality rate is 3200. Cervical cancer is the second commonest but leads in mortality.
Prevention Strategies
It is advisable to vaccinate girls before 15 years of age. Women are also advised to regularly go for screening
DIAGNOSIS FOR HPV INFECTION AND CERVICAL LESIONS
HPV infection: The test seeks to establish if one has presence of virus. It can also establish the type of virus to detect if they are the high-risk type for cervical cancer.
Pap test: is a procedure done in the clinic to check if there are abnormal cells in the cervix.
Further review and possible referral may be recommended based on the test results.
SISI AND PROCARE HEALTH INNOVATION IN PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF HPV-DEPENDENT CERVICAL LESIONS
The main factors that impact clearance or persistence of HPV include;
a) Viral genotype
b) Histological structure of the cervix c) status of vaginal microbiota d) local immune status of the host.
On this basis, PAPILOCARE has been developed as the first treatment specifically designed to activate the three modifiable risk factors for HPV clearance, that is re-epithelization of cervical transformation zone, rebalancing of vaginal microbiota and counteraction of the non-inflammatory microenvironment.
Efficacy and safety of Papilocare has been proven by robust and published clinical evidence.
For more information, Visithttps://papilocare.com/en/home/
Papilocare Gel Vaginal
