A risk for non-sexual transmission of human papillomavirus?

Abstract

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are estimated to be the most common sexually transmitted virus in humans. The virus is of great interest as it is the etiological agent of cervical cancer. Sexual transmission of HPV is generally accepted, however, non-sexual transmission of the virus is often debated. Here, we review the evidence from basic research and clinical studies that show HPV can survive well outside of its host to potentially be transmitted by non-sexual means. In doing so, we hope to discover problems in current prevention practices and show a need for better disinfectants to combat the spread of HPV.

Increased risk of oropharyngeal cancers mediated by oral human papillomavirus infection: Results from a Canadian study

“…37 The factors increasing the risk of oral HPV infection, progression, and persistence ultimately leading to head and neck cancer remain unclear, and longitudinal studies will help answer these questions. Our findings confirm that HPV explains most of the association between oral sex behaviors and OPC risk in a sample of Canadians.…”

First detection of papillomaviruses and polyomaviruses in swimming pool waters: unrecognized recreational water-related pathogens?

“…Little to nothing is known about human papillomavirus (HPV) susceptibility to disinfection. However, it is known that these viruses are stable and able to remain infectious on surfaces, even if the surfaces are treated with common disinfectants, according to studies both in the laboratory and in healthcare scenarios (Ryndock and Meyers ). Meyers and coworkers tested the susceptibility of high‐risk HPV (HPV16) to clinical disinfectants, and showed that commonly used clinical disinfectants, including those used as sterilants in medical and dental healthcare facilities, have no effect on HPV16 infectivity, thus suggesting the possibility of fomite or nonsexual transmission of HPV16 (Meyers et al .…”

First Detection of Human Papillomaviruses and Human Polyomaviruses in River Waters in Italy

“…However, indirect modes of transmission, such fomites or contaminated waters, cannot entirely be ruled out (Czegledy 2001;Ryndock and Meyers 2014). In the present study, HPVs have been detected in rivers samples.…”

“…HPV is one of the most common causes of sexually transmitted diseases worldwide. Non-sexual transmission of the virus is debated but recent findings shows that HPV can survive well outside of its host to potentially be transmitted by non-sexual means (Ryndock and Meyers 2014).…”