Beware of These HPV Types – Some Can Be Fatal!

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Beware of These HPV Types – Some Can Be Fatal!

January 28, 2025 by Fathimah Zahro

Did you know that there are more than 200 types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) that can infect humans? According to the CDC, most HPV infections are harmless and resolve on their own within a few months. However, certain types, such as high-risk HPV, can cause cancer, including cervical cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, and anal cancer. In fact, WHO reports that HPV is the cause of nearly 99% of cervical cancer cases worldwide, making it a primary concern in reproductive health.

In addition to cancer, some low-risk HPV types can also cause genital warts, which, although not dangerous, still impact a person’s quality of life. Understanding the various HPV types is essential to prevent infections and their complications early on. In this article, we will discuss five HPV types you need to know about, including some that are highly dangerous to human health. Let’s get to know them better so you can protect yourself and your loved ones!

1. Type 6 (HPV-6)

HPV type 6 is a low-risk type of HPV known as a leading cause of genital warts (condyloma acuminata), which can appear on the genitals, anus, and mouth. This infection can impact quality of life even though it does not lead to cancer. HPV type 6 can also cause recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP), which are warts in the respiratory tract. These warts can severely affect breathing and may be life-threatening, especially in children infected at birth.

While HPV 6 infections are generally harmless and not directly linked to cancer, the warts they cause can be uncomfortable. Prevention strategies, such as vaccination, can help reduce HPV infections and prevent genital warts. Current HPV vaccines like Gardasil (quadrivalent vaccine) and Gardasil 9 (nonavalent vaccine) are designed to provide protection against HPV type 6.

2. Type 11 (HPV-11)

HPV type 11 is another low-risk HPV type often associated with genital warts in the genital, anal, or oral areas. Similar to HPV type 6, HPV 11 infections can cause serious recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP), leading to warts in the respiratory tract. Although rare, these infections can cause significant breathing problems in children.

Although HPV 11 does not cause cancer, persistent infections can significantly affect quality of life, especially due to genital warts. Current HPV vaccines, such as Gardasil (quadrivalent vaccine) and Gardasil 9 (nonavalent vaccine), are also designed to protect against HPV type 11.

3. Types 5 and 8 (HPV-5 and HPV-8)

HPV types 5 and 8 are known to cause skin cancer, particularly in people with a rare genetic condition called epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV). In this condition, the body becomes highly susceptible to HPV infections, with nearly 90% of skin cancer cases in EV patients caused by HPV types 5 and 8. Additionally, these viruses pose a cancer risk for individuals with weakened immune systems, such as immunosuppressed patients.

HPV types 5 and 8 can worsen skin damage caused by UVB exposure. These viruses disrupt the DNA repair process in the skin, leading to accumulated damage that may eventually develop into cancer.

4. Type 45 (HPV-45)

HPV type 45 is a high-risk HPV type linked to cervical cancer. Although it is not as common as HPV 16 and 18, HPV 45 contributes to cervical cancer cases. Infections with HPV 45 can lead to precancerous changes in cervical cells, which may progress to advanced cervical cancer if left untreated.

The currently available 9-valent HPV recombinant vaccine (Gardasil 9) provides protection against HPV 45 and other high-risk types, reducing the incidence of cervical cancer when administered to young individuals before exposure to the virus. Vaccination minimizes the risk of HPV 45 infection leading to cervical cancer.

5. Types 16 and 18 (HPV-16 and HPV-18)

HPV types 16 and 18 are the two most common high-risk HPV types associated with cervical cancer. According to WHO data, approximately 70% of cervical cancer cases worldwide are caused by these two types. HPV 16 is the leading cause of cervical cancer and can also trigger cancers in other areas, such as the anus, oropharynx (middle throat), and vulva. HPV 18 is another significant contributor to cervical cancer and certain other cancers, including vaginal and penile cancers.

HPV 16 and 18 infections often show no symptoms in the early stages, which is why many cases are detected only after they have progressed to invasive cancer. According to Cancer.org, chronic infections with these types can cause precancerous changes in cervical cells. If untreated, these changes can develop into cancer over several years.

The Importance of Preventing HPV Infection

Early screening using methods like HPV DNA testing is crucial to detect high-risk HPV types like 16 and 18 before infections progress to precancerous or invasive cancer stages. HPV DNA testing enables the detection of the virus even before cellular changes occur in the cervix, allowing for timely medical intervention. With early detection, treatment can be more effective, significantly increasing the chances of preventing cancer progression. WHO recommends regular screenings combined with HPV vaccination as a comprehensive and effective prevention strategy.

Understanding the various HPV types helps us realize the importance of prevention steps such as vaccination and early screenings to protect ourselves from serious infection risks. HPV types 6 and 11 may seem "mild" as they do not cause cancer, but their impact can still disrupt quality of life. On the other hand, HPV types 16, 18, and 45 pose serious threats that can be prevented with proper education and preventive measures. With this information, we can make wiser decisions about our health and encourage those around us to do the same. Remember, small steps like early screenings and vaccination can make a big difference for a healthier future!

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