{"id":10387,"date":"2026-11-02T16:05:38","date_gmt":"2026-11-02T05:05:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tristel.com\/au-en\/latest-news\/\/"},"modified":"2026-11-02T16:05:44","modified_gmt":"2026-11-02T05:05:44","slug":"under-the-microscope-human-papillomaviruses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tristel.com\/au-en\/latest-news\/under-the-microscope-human-papillomaviruses\/","title":{"rendered":"Under the Microscope: HPV"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/span>
<\/span>Under the Microscope<\/span><\/a>

Pathogen profile<\/p>

HPV\"\"<\/span><\/p>

Human papillomavirus<\/p>

Type<\/p>

Small, non-enveloped DNA virus<\/p><\/div>

Types<\/p>

Over 200, grouped into high-risk and low-risk<\/p><\/div>

Found in<\/p>

Genital areas, and the mouth and throat<\/p><\/div>

Can cause<\/p>

Diseases from benign warts to cancers<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n

Jump to a section<\/p>

Where it’s found<\/a>What it causes<\/a>Why it’s a challenge<\/a>Prevention<\/a>Defence<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n

Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are small, non-enveloped DNA viruses that cause a range of diseases from benign warts to life-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.<\/p>\n

Due to its prevalence and persistence, HPV presents a significant challenge in infection prevention and control.<\/p>\n<\/span>

Where is HPV found and how is it transmitted?<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>

The virus spreads 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.<\/p><\/div>

\"Healthcare<\/figure><\/div>\n

Tap to find out<\/p>\"\"<\/div>\n

?<\/span>Did you know?<\/span>HPV can spread without any symptoms.<\/span><\/span>Find out more<\/span><\/summary>

HPV can be transmitted even when no symptoms are present, making it difficult to detect and control.<\/p><\/div><\/details>\n

In healthcare settings<\/p>

Devices that can harbour HPV<\/h3>

Medical devices used to examine areas such as the cervix, vagina, throat and neck can harbour HPV if not disinfected effectively, including:<\/p>

Transvaginal ultrasound probes<\/span>Colposcopes<\/span>Endoscopes<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<\/span>

What does HPV cause?<\/h2>\n

Cancer risk<\/p>

High-risk HPV<\/h3>
Type 16<\/span>Type 18<\/span>Type 31<\/span>Type 45<\/span><\/div>

High-risk types, for example 16, 18, 31 and 45, are strongly linked to cancers of the cervix, vagina, vulva, anus, penis and oropharynx (throat).<\/p><\/div>

Non-cancerous<\/p>

Low-risk HPV<\/h3>

Low-risk types are associated with non-cancerous skin infections, leading to warts on the feet, hands, elbows and genital areas.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n

Persistent high-risk HPV infection is estimated to cause:<\/h3>

Share of each cancer type<\/p>

Cervical and anal cancers<\/span>90%<\/strong><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Vulvar and vaginal cancers<\/span>70%<\/strong><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Oropharyngeal cancers<\/span>70%<\/strong><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Penile cancers<\/span>60%<\/strong><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/span>

Why is HPV a challenge in infection control?<\/h2>\n

Threat profile<\/p>

HPV is particularly difficult to control due to several factors<\/h3>
<\/span>

Skin persistence.<\/strong> HPV can survive on the skin, making transmission easy and prevention challenging.<\/span><\/p><\/div>

<\/span>

Asymptomatic nature.<\/strong> Many people with HPV do not develop symptoms, leading to unintentional spread.<\/span><\/p><\/div>

<\/span>

Lack of treatment.<\/strong> There is no cure for HPV, meaning prevention is the best defence.<\/span><\/p><\/div>

<\/span>

Environmental stability.<\/strong> HPV can remain infectious for up to seven days on contaminated surfaces and medical devices if not properly disinfected.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div>\n

Additionally, while cervical cancer screening<\/strong> is available in some regions, it is not accessible everywhere, leaving many at risk.<\/p>\n<\/span>

How can you prevent the spread of HPV?<\/h2>\n