About the HPV vaccine: how it works and who can get it

Abstract

Human papilloma viruses (HPV) are small non-enveloped DNA viruses that posses great affinity for epithelial tissue. So far, more than 200 genotypes of HPV have been identified, of which around 40 types are associated with genital infections in man and woman. HPV is the most sexually transmited virus in the world leading to the fact that HPV infection is the major cause of cervical cancer. Besides, HPV is thought to be responsible for more than 90% of anal cancer, 70% of vaginal and vulvar cancer, 70% of oropharingeal cancer and 60% of penile cancer [1, 2]. HPV vaccinationn is the most effective procedure in prevention of HPV-related cancers. Prophylactic 9-valent HPV vaccine which targets high-risk HPV types is the most preferable one and is available in many countries worlwide including Balkan region. The main goal of this presentation is to improve awareness of great importance of HPV vaccination in target popullations.