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Can HPV Virus Stay Dormant For 25 Years?

Posted on Fri, 16 Sep 2016

Question: Can the HPV virus lay dormant for 25 years?

Answered by Dr. Soumya (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Yes

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I understand your concerns about HPV virus.

Yes. HPV virus can stay dormant for 25 years. Infection is possible after such a long gap.

Let me know if you need anymore help.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Soumya (2 hours later)

To clarify, I was diagnosed with genital warts 25 years ago. They were “frozen” off. All subsequent tests have been negative until a couple of months ago when I tested positive for HPV – no warts. I’ve had one partner/spouse for the past 12 years who denies sexual involvement with anyone else. Therefore, I’m trying to determine if it’s possible, plausible or probable that the infection I had 25 years ago could just show up again.
Thank you

Answered by Dr. Soumya (57 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes. Recurrence is possible

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for additional information.

Yes. It is possible for the HPV to resurface after such a long time.

Though the lesion was frozen by cryotherapy there is possibility of small amount of tissue being left out with virus.

This virus resurfaces at older age and when immunity reduces.

I don't think this is new transmission from your partner. This is from old infection.

I hope your doubt is cleared.

Let me know if you need anymore clarification.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Soumya (17 hours later)

My OB/GYN said that it was "possible" but more likely than not it's a new infection, so I sought this second opinion. It also does not involve genital warts this time, which I read means it's a different type of the virus. I understand there's no way to know for certain what the true source is. Thanks for your response.

Answered by Dr. Soumya (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Wish you good health

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

You are right. This seems to be the reactivated old virus.

Feel free to ask me question directly next time by pasting following link in your browser:

http://bit.ly/askdrsoumya

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar