virusclassification.com

Papilloma virus classification is relatively difficult because of the large number of individual species. As the nucleotide sequence that experts use to classify the virus can deviate by nearly 50% while still retaining the required five homologous genes, hundreds of different types of papilloma viruses can exist. Many of these types have been thoroughly examined, but more have yet to be officially classified. Different species of animal can incur the virus, but the virus generally mutates in a different manner depending on what type of animal has been infected. It is rare for an individual species to be transferred between species. The majority of papilloma viruses in animals either do not have any noticeable symptoms or result in benign tumors, called warts or papillomas. Types of these viruses have been isolated in turtles, birds, mammals, and humans.

The major difference between animal varieties and the human papilloma virus is that the human version has an increased capacity to turn cancerous, thus causing damage to the host person. The papilloma virus that infects humans generally attacks a certain skin or mucosal epithelium of the body which may include the following: genitals, hands, anus, mouth, hands, or airways. Most patients who have contracted the virus are not aware that they have it unless a physical wart appears. Infections are more common among younger women than any other group. Most warts and infections will disappear without external help in a matter of two years. However, those conditions that persist can be cause for concern as they can lead to cervical cancer if left untreated. This process may take between fifteen and twenty years, leaving plenty of time for detection and treatment. Despite this long period of time, the papilloma virus is still capable and does cause death. For the year 2008, it is estimated that 270,000 deaths occurred worldwide due to papilloma viruses. The majority of these deaths occurred in countries where adequate health care is not available to address the issue. The best way to prevent infection from a papilloma virus is by use of the papilloma virus vaccine. There are two products that are available to aid in prevention, Gardasil and Cervarix. These two vaccines protect a person from the strains that are responsible for most cancer-causing strains of papilloma. Administered as a series of injections, the vaccine takes half of a year to complete. A person who has already been infected with the virus will gain no benefit from the vaccine.

While the majority of papilloma viruses are not life-threatening to humans or animals, a patient who discovers a suspect wart should report the situation to a local doctor at their next visit. Early detection and treatment is the key to avoiding major problems resulting from the infection. As the virus mutates, more potent strains of papilloma may be discovered, but current strains are only dangerous if left untreated. Papilloma virus classification can be expected to increase as more and more specific strains are found in the different types of infected animals.