Under the Microscope: HPV
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are small, non-enveloped DNA viruses that
cause a range of diseases from benign warts to threatening cancers. There
are over 200 different types of HPV. They are grouped into high-risk and
low-risk types based on their potential to cause cancer. Due to its
prevalence and persistence, HPV presents a significant challenge in
infection prevention and control.
Where is HPV found and how is it transmitted?
HPV is most commonly present in the genital areas but can also be present
in the mouth and throat. Additionally, it can persist on medical instruments
and surfaces if not properly disinfected, making it a concern in healthcare
settings.
The virus spread primarily through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an
infected person. However, it can also be transmitted through close skin-to-
skin contact during sexual activity. Importantly, HPV can be transmitted
even when no symptoms are present, making it difficult to detect and
control. Medical devices used to examine areas, such as the cervix, vagina,
throat, and neck, including transvaginal ultrasound probes, colposcopes,
and endoscopes, can harbour HPV if not disinfected effectively.
What does HPV cause?
High-risk HPV e.g., Types 16, 18, 31, and 45 are strongly linked to cancers of
the cervix, vagina, vulva, anus, penis, and oropharynx (throat). Persistent
high-risk HPV infection is estimated to cause:
90% of cervical and anal cancers
70% of vulvar and vaginal cancers
60% of penile cancers
70% of oropharyngeal cancers
Low-risk HPV are associated with non-cancerous skin infections, leading
to in warts on the feet, hands, elbows and genital areas.
Why is HPV a Challenge in Infection Control?
HPV is particularly difficult to control due to several factors:
Skin Persistence – HPV can survive on the skin, making transmission
easy and prevention challenging.
Asymptomatic Nature – Many people with HPV do not develop
symptoms, leading to unintentional spread.
Lack of Treatment – There is no cure for HPV, meaning prevention is
the best defence.
Environmental Stability – HPV can remain infectious for up to seven
days on contaminated medical surfaces and devices if not properly
disinfected.
Additionally, while cervical cancer screening is available in some regions,
it is not accessible everywhere, leaving many at risk.
How can you prevent the spread of HPV?
HPV is particularly difficult to control due to several factors:
HPV Testing & Screening – In the UK, HPV testing is part of cervical
screening offered to individuals aged 25 to 64 to help prevent
cervical cancer.
Vaccination – The HPV vaccine protects against the most common
types linked to genital warts and cervical cancer.
Barrier Protection – Condoms can reduce the risk of transmission
but do not provide full protection, as they do not cover all skin
contact areas.
How can you defend against HPV?
Proper disinfection is critical in preventing HPV transmission in clinical
environments. Because HPV is highly resistant to conventional
disinfectants, it is essential to use high-level disinfectants with proven
virucidal activity.
The most effective disinfectants should:
Eliminate bacterial spores, vegetative bacteria, mycobacteria,
yeast, fungal spores, and viruses
Prevent cross-contamination between patients
Protect healthcare professionals during routine procedures
Did you know? HPV can retain 30% of its infectivity for seven days on
inadequately disinfected medical surfaces and devices.
TRISTEL TRIO & DUO ARE THE ONLY DISINFECTANTS PROVEN EFFECTIVE
AGAINST HPV TYPES 16 & 18 IN 30 SECONDS
A scientific study by Meyers, et al. (2020) demonstrates that the Tristel Trio
Wipes System possess efficacy against infectious HPV types 16 and 18 on
an endocavity ultrasound probe in 30 seconds 5 .
Read Study - The ability of two chlorine dioxide chemistries to
References:
1 Jensen JE, Becker GL, Jackson JB, Rysavy MB. Human Papillomavirus and
Associated Cancers: A Review. Viruses. 2024 Apr 26;16(5):680. doi:
10.3390/v16050680. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (2024).
About Genital HPV Infection. [online] Available
infection.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-
hpv.htm.
2 Marur, S., D’Souza, G., Westra, W.H. and Forastiere, A.A. (2010). HPV-
associated head and neck cancer: a virus-related cancer epidemic. The
Lancet Oncology, 11(8), pp.781–789. Doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/s1470-
2045(10)70017-6.
3 NHS (2022). Human papillomavirus (HPV). [online] nhs.uk. Available
hpv/#:~:text=Human%20papillomavirus%20(HPV)%20is%20the.
4 Saraiya, M., Unger, E.R., Thompson, T.D., Lynch, C.F., Hernandez, B.Y., Lyu,
C.W., Steinau, M., Watson, M., Wilkinson, E.J., Hopenhayn, C., Copeland, G.,
Cozen, W., Peters, E.S., Huang, Y., Saber, M.S., Altekruse, S. and Goodman, M.T.
(2015). US Assessment of HPV Types in Cancers: Implications for Current
and 9-Valent HPV Vaccines. JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute,
107(6). doi: https://doi.org/10.1093/jnci/djv086.
5 Meyers, C., Milici, J., Robison, R. (2020) ‘The Ability of Two Chlorine Dioxide
Chemistries to Inactivate Human Papillomavirus-contaminated
Endocavitary Ultrasound Probes and Nasendoscopes’. Published IN THE
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY [Online] Available at: bit.ly/HPVARTICLE
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