Researchers from the John Hopkins University revealed that use of tobacco in any form whether through smoking or chewing can increase the risk for oral Human Papillovirus type 16 (HPV 16) infection. They have shown strong association between the two. This virus is a sexually transmitted virus which is the cause of oral and throat cancer worldwide.
HPV 16 is linked to about 80% of cancers in the throat and can be transmitted through oral sex. Many cancers are caused by this virus such as vagina, cervical, penis and vulvar cancers.
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HPV infection is the most common sexually transmitted virus in the United States alone and it can cause many infections in the genital area as well as the mouth and throat.
According to the study, getting the virus through sexual transmission is increased as the person uses tobacco. As little as three sticks per day can increase vulnerability to the virus at about one-third.
The researchers said their study found out that people who recently used or have been exposed to tobacco regardless of their sexual behavior have more risk in obtaining or acquiring HPV infection. However, the researches admitted they do not know the exact reason for the mechanism. They just say there is a tangible link between the two variables.
Gypsyamber D'Souza, Ph.D., M.S., M.P.H., an associate professor of epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, says that they are sure that tobacco increases the likelihood of infection among individuals but the exact mechanism is still unknown. They suggest that the virus is not easily removed from the body due to the presence of tobacco chemicals.
They are encouraging more studies on this topic in order to determine the exact reason why tobacco users have higher risk in developing HPV infection.
