HPV-18

Papovavirus family. Diameter: 55 nm. Genome size: 8 kbp.

Description: Papovaviruses have dsDNA, are small, icosahedral, naked, and monopartite. HPV-18 is part of the papillomavirus genus.

Power: "Invisible" (internal) disease which may go undetected for years, and may cause cancer.

Offenses:

Attacks --> transmitted through sexual contact; infection rates are higher among women with

several sexual partners.

Outcome --> infection may cause cervical dysplasia, a precursor to cervical cancer. 90% of

cervical cancer cases involve cells which have integrated HPV DNA.

Speed --> slow; cervical cancer may appear 20-50 years after the initial HPV-18 infection.

Defenses:

Vaccines --> none are currently licensed, although some are in experimental stages.

Behavioral --> use of barrier methods (condoms, dental dams, etc.) during sexual activity and

regular STD testing.

Treatment --> areas with cervical dysplasia can be removed using lasers or diathermy; invasive

carcinomas require surgery.

Game Action --> Flip a coin. If heads, opponent will become infected with HPV-18 and will later develop cervical cancer.

Nuns don't get it.
References:
Medical Virology pp. 294, 298-9, 302

Witney McKiernan

Arenavirus 2000 Home
Humans and Viruses
Human Biology 115A
Winter, 2000
Robert Siegel, instructor

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Created: February 1, 1998
Last modified: March 5, 2000