HPV
Zach Dennis
Replication
HPV viruses replicate in mucus membrane and skin cells. Due to the diversity of different strains of HPV, it is difficult to determine if HPV replicates once per S-phase or at a random intervals in the cell’s development. It is proposed HPV copies its DNA strain inside the host up to 400 times. Then, the host cell divides to create two daughter cells. This is a lysogenic process.
1. HPV attaches itself to a mucous membrane or a skin cell.
2. HPV injects it DNA into the host to replicate itself and create more viruses.
3. The host cell undergoes mitosis.
4. The new daughter cells continue to repeat steps 1-3 until an undetermined catalyst, possibly the E6 and 7 proteins, tell the cells to undergo the lyctic cycle, producing the unsightly warts that appear on the skin.
Treatment
HPV cannot be outright cured, although the milder symptoms may go away on their own. Vaccines are issued to children, but these anti-viruses only protect against certain strains. Most treatments focuses on removing warts. Some types of cancer can be developed if the HPV is not treated for properly. Routine doctor visits may help identify HPV before it becomes a health problem. Some medicinal treatments include; Podofilox, Trichloroacetic acid, and Imiquimod.
Prevention
Causes
A misconception about HPV is that it always said to be a product of sexual intercourse. Most of the time HPV is contracted through skin-to-skin contact and an open cut or abrasion upon oneself. Although, warts near the mouth or between the legs most likely are linked to sexual intercourse.
Immune Cells?
During the early stages of HPV, the immune system attempts to destroy the virus but cannot. This causes inflammation and itchiness. The reason HPV cannot be destroyed is because of HPV's usage of "E6 and E7" proteins which are thought to also induce tumor growth and warts. This means that even if you show no signs of HPV, it can never be entirely destroyed and may just be in a lysogenic cycle, leading to wart outbreaks in the future.