Hi -

if Woman A had a high-risk strain of HPV resulting in cervical cell changes, and it was shared unknowingly with Man X, who also shares it with Woman B, is it likely that the two women will have similar or different responses to the identical virus? I'm imagining they can be very different - depending on each individual's immune system, chemistry, etc. -- but please clarify... (This presupposes that no one had any preexisting strains to complicate matters)

Thanks!

Hi franny,

Thanks for posting. There's no way to predict how woman #2 will react to HPV based on what might have occurred with woman #1. The same HPV type may react very differently, or they could each end up with similar diagnosis. No way to know, but you can't assume the experience of one will mirror that of the other. The course of the infection in each will take place independently, so no direct relation.

I hope this helps. Post again if you have more questions.

Best,
Fredo

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ASHA Moderator

Thanks very much, Fredo.