Full Form of HPV

What is HPV?

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of over 200 related viruses, of which about 40 are transmitted through direct sexual contact and can infect the genital area, mouth, and throat. In India, HPV is a major public health concern as certain high-risk strains (notably types 16 and 18) cause virtually all cases of cervical cancer, which is the second most common cancer among Indian women. The virus is also linked to other anogenital cancers and genital warts. HPV infection is extremely common; most sexually active individuals will acquire it at some point, but the immune system usually clears it without symptoms. Persistent infection with high-risk types can lead to precancerous lesions and cancer over years. In India, HPV vaccination (such as Gardasil and Cervarix) is recommended for girls aged 9–14 years and is increasingly included in state immunization programs, though coverage remains low due to cost and awareness. The virus is diagnosed via Pap smear or HPV DNA testing. For competitive exams like NEET PG and MBBS, HPV is a high-yield topic covering its structure, oncogenic mechanisms, vaccine types, and cervical cancer screening guidelines. Understanding HPV is essential for healthcare professionals in India to combat cervical cancer through prevention and early detection.

HPV का फुल फॉर्म

Example

The Indian Academy of Pediatrics recommends routine HPV vaccination for all adolescent girls to reduce the burden of cervical cancer.

HPV — frequently asked questions

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