HPV
Medical abbreviation · Infectious Disease
| Stands for | Human papillomavirus |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
HPV stands for Human papillomavirus, an infectious disease abbreviation.
Group of more than 200 related viruses, about 40 of which infect the genital area; it is the most common sexually transmitted infection, and most sexually active people acquire it at some point. High-risk types, especially 16 and 18, cause nearly all cervical cancers and many anal, throat and penile cancers, while low-risk types cause warts.
Example: Pap ASC-US with high-risk HPV positive; colposcopy scheduled.
Usage notes
Most infections clear on their own within two years. The first HPV vaccine was licensed in 2006; the nine-valent version used in the US since 2014 is recommended at age 11–12 (as early as 9), with two doses if started before age 15. Vaccination has sharply reduced cervical precancers in vaccinated cohorts. HPV-related throat cancers now outnumber cervical cancers in the US.
Related abbreviations
More infectious disease abbreviations
- HAV – Hepatitis A virus
- HBsAg – Hepatitis B surface antigen
- HBV – Hepatitis B virus
- HCV – Hepatitis C virus
- HIV – Human immunodeficiency virus
- hMPV – Human metapneumovirus
- HSV – Herpes simplex virus
- HZ – Herpes zoster
- IDSA – Infectious Diseases Society of America
- IGRA – Interferon-gamma release assay
- IIV – Inactivated influenza vaccine
- ILI – Influenza-like illness
See all 92 infectious disease abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.