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Is It Possible to Spread HPV through Saliva?

Elizabeth West
Elizabeth West

Transmission of human papilloma virus, or HPV through saliva is still being studied as of 2011, although HPV infection of the oral mucosa is possible and is implicated in oral cancers. HPV is also suspected of causing cervical and anogenital cancers. Although only 10% of infections seem to involve cancer-causing strains of HPV, up to 75% of adults are or have been exposed to the virus, which usually resolves on its own. While HPV is common, it is also preventable.

Complete viruses such as rabies, Epstein-Barr and the flu show up consistently in saliva. While these viruses can spread through oral exposure from a bite or kissing, HPV has exhibited DNA traces at a variable rate. When studying transmission of HPV through saliva, researchers have discovered detection rates lower than those found in tissue.

People with dry mouths have more microbes in their saliva.
People with dry mouths have more microbes in their saliva.

A 2008 study in Greece found that detection rates were higher in those with inefficient immune system responses, however. Antibodies and antimicrobial proteins called lyzosomes are normally present in saliva and attack any intruders, keeping the bacterial and viral count down. Those with conditions that promote a dry mouth have less saliva and higher levels of microbes in their mouths; in addition, people with a compromised immune system are more susceptible to bacteria and viruses infecting them this way, including the spread of HPV through the patient's saliva.

A HPV vaccine has been developed to combat the most common types of HPV.
A HPV vaccine has been developed to combat the most common types of HPV.

The virus normally spreads through skin-to-skin contact, usually during sexual activity. The mucosa in the mouth and oropharyngeal complex is very similar to that of the genitals; HPV16, the same strain that causes cervical cancer, is also linked to oral cancer. A vaccine has been developed that targets four types of HPV, and it is recommended that females and males aged 9-26 be inoculated before any sexual contact takes place; the vaccine has been shown to prevent HPV infection before exposure. Early sex education aimed at preventing disease should include the possibility of spreading HPV through saliva.

Oral sex can spread HPV, or human papillomavirus, which can cause warts to grow on the mouth or genitals, or both.
Oral sex can spread HPV, or human papillomavirus, which can cause warts to grow on the mouth or genitals, or both.

HPV16 has also been found in younger people whose only risk factor for pharyngeal cancer is oral sex, rather than long-term tobacco or alcohol use. This implies that HPV16 is indeed spread through oral-genital contact, and thus may be contracted or passed through mucous membranes and fluids in the mouth. Education aimed at preventing disease should include the possibility of spreading HPV. Consistent use of latex condoms and other barrier devices that can be used during oral sex, such as dental dams, has been shown to reduce transmission of HPV through sexual activity.

Discussion Comments

SteamLouis

@ankara-- The chances of spreading HPV through saliva increases if people have open sores and lesions in their mouth. It's still possible to spread it when there are no sores, but it's a bit less likely.

fify

@ankara-- HPV is very controversial. It is still being studied and you are right that there are conflicting information and statements about it.

I think when it comes to HPV, we all have to do our own share of research and take extra precautions. I have HPV and have been reading a lot about it on my own. My personal conviction is that it can be passed through kissing.

HPV passes most easily through bodily fluids. If it's possible to get HPV through oral sex, why wouldn't it be possible to get it through kissing? The inside of the mouth is also soft tissue like the genitals and it contains a bodily fluid-- saliva.

I think what makes thing confusing is that HPV doesn't show symptoms in everyone. Many people carry the virus but don't even know about it. Signs and symptoms occur in people who have weaker immune systems. So an HPV positive individual might kiss their partner without their partner ever showing signs of the virus. This doesn't meant that the partner doesn't have it.

If you suspect that you may have HPV or if you know that you have it, avoid kissing and definitely tell your partner.

bluedolphin

The flier I got from the health center says that HPV is passed through sex, skin-to-skin contact and oral sex. It says that it can't be passed through kissing. So is this information wrong? Why don't we have clear information about HPV?

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    • People with dry mouths have more microbes in their saliva.
      By: Benicce
      People with dry mouths have more microbes in their saliva.
    • A HPV vaccine has been developed to combat the most common types of HPV.
      By: Tsuboya
      A HPV vaccine has been developed to combat the most common types of HPV.
    • Oral sex can spread HPV, or human papillomavirus, which can cause warts to grow on the mouth or genitals, or both.
      By: Imagery Majestic
      Oral sex can spread HPV, or human papillomavirus, which can cause warts to grow on the mouth or genitals, or both.
    • The use of dental dams has been shown to reduce transmission of HPV through saliva.
      By: Adrian Costea
      The use of dental dams has been shown to reduce transmission of HPV through saliva.