How is the HPV Virus Transmitted? Human Papillomaviruses Prevention & Treatment

Oropharyngeal Human Papilloma Infection (HPV)

Evidence strongly suggests that oropharyngeal HPV spreads through sexual contact. Oral sex practices increase the risk of developing oropharyngeal HPV infection, and the risk of disease increases with the total number of lifetime sexual partners. With at least 20 lifetime sexual partners, the incidence of oropharyngeal HPV infection reaches 20%. Smokers are at greater risk than nonsmokers of developing an oral infection, with current heavy smokers at especially significant risk.

A new report observed that 7% of Americans aged 14 to 69 are diagnosed with oropharyngeal HPV. A similar report observed that the prevalence had increased fundamentally throughout recent years. A more significant number of men than women have an oropharyngeal HPV infection.

The most aggressive subtype of oropharyngeal HPV identified is HPV-16, a high-risk subtype of HPV for oropharyngeal (throat) disease. Around two-thirds of oropharyngeal infections have HPV DNA in them. Infection with HPV-16 happens in about 1% of people.