Abstract

DIFFERENT FACES OF HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRAL INFECTIONS IN A TROPICAL RURAL PRACTICE IN NIGERIA

Introduction: The human papilloma virus (HPV) is a ubiquitous virus that manifest in different parts of the body in various ways. It particularly has a unique ability to affect the skin and mucous membranes. It can present benignly or in an aggressive malignant manner depending on the part of the body involved. Methods: This review describes several different ways in which it presents in our tropical rural practice in Nigeria. This ranges from sexually transmitted infections of the skin and mucous membranes of the genitalia to non-sexual transmissions of the skin and mucous membrane of other parts of the body apart from the genitalia. It also describes the benign and the malignant manifestations of this infection. The peculiarities of the various types are discussed. Conclusion: The human papilloma virus has evolved a unique ability to attack various parts of the human body where keratinocytes are present ranging from benign lesions to malignant ones. The infections are becoming commoner with various conditions that compromise the body`s cell mediated immunity particularly infections like HIV. The recognition of these lesions may aid in the prompt commencement of the appropriate therapy for this group of patients and may help to reduce morbidity and sometimes mortality of malignant ones.

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