Human Papillomavirus Infection (HPV Infection)

व्यानस्तु प्रकुपितःश्लेष्माणं परिगृह्य
बहिःस्थिराणिकीलवदर्शासिनिर्वर्तयति,तानि
चर्मकीलान्यर्शासीत्याचक्षते || (सु.नि.२/१८) ||

Human papillomavirus(HPV) is a widespread, sexually transmitted infection (STI). It has become well-known due to its link to cervical cancer. While not every child with HPV will develop cervical cancer, HPV increases the risk. The main feature of HPV is genital warts, but not all children will develop them.  Even though HPV is called an STI, it can be transmitted through non-sexual routes like hand to hand contact, or from mother to child during a vaginal delivery. Micro abrasions in the surface epithelium permit the entrance of HPV into the cell where it targets the basal layer of the stratified squamous epithelium. The metaplastic cells of the squamocolumnar junction of the cervix and oropharynx are also targets.

In Ayurveda, warts caused by HPV can be compared with Charmakeela. The diagnosis is based on clinical examination and usually straight forward by visual inspection.