What Is HPV Virus

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a non-enveloped DNA virus made up of 72 capsomeres.

It contains double-stranded DNA within an icosahedral (20-sided) capsid. It is a relatively small virus, averaging about 55 nm in size. The virus particle is resistant to high temperatures.

Its DNA structure is 5.2 million daltons, made up of eight thousand base pairs. It is a viral agent that infects the stratified squamous epithelium of the skin and mucous membranes.

HPV viruses are active in skin and mucosal areas.

They can cause serious pathological conditions in many mucosal and skin regions, including vulvar cancer (cancer of the external female genitalia), penile cancer, oropharyngeal (mouth-throat) cancer, and respiratory tract cancers.