Traditional approach, an alternative to human papillomavirus therapy

Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the leading cause of diseases transmitted through sexual activities but not gender specific, HPV occurs globally but more common in developing countries, asymptomatic infection account for almost 44% of the population.1 HPV is a small, double-stranded DNA virus; the viral tropism is the epithelium. Over 200 HPV type species have been discovered, their outer capsid protein L1 are differentiated by its genetic sequence which serve as the basis of classifying the various HPV types. Studies showed that the sexually active individuals are more at risk to be exposed to Human Papillomavirus as the virus is mostly found in the genitalia.2 Majority of Human Papillomavirus types invades the cutaneous epithelium (stratified epithelium) causing skin warts. While some types invade mucosal epithelium; they are classified in to two, base on severity of disease they cause, infection with low-risk (nononcogenic) types, such as types 6, 11, 40, 42, 43, 44, 54, 61, 72 and 81. Can cause benign reactive alterations or Atypical Squamous cell of undermined significance or low-grade cervical cell abnormalities, genital warts and laryngeal papillomas. High-risk (oncogenic), HPV types, such as type 16, 18 31, 33, 35 39, 45, 51, 52, 56 and 59 are the major cause of cervical cancer, it also causes anogenital cancers. The oncogenic HPVs can cause low-grade cervical intraepithelial lesion, high-grade cervical intraepithelial lesion that are precursors to cancer of the cervix, and anogenital cancers. Oncogenic HPVs are seen in about 99% of cancer of the cervix, it is also reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of penile, vulvar, anal, and head and neck carcinomas, and oral malignant disease. Despite the strong proofs that relate infection with a high-risk HPV type to pathogenesis of cancer of the cervix, most immuno-competent women have the ability to clear this virus. Also detection of this virus at an early stage will aid in the prevention of the malignancy.3 Papillomaviruses possess oncogenes (E5, E6, and E7 genes) that bind the products of tumor suppressor genes.4 Properties and biology of HPV