Transmission and prevention of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is caused by Herpes papilloma virus (HPV) infection of the throat. RRP is categorized into juvenile-onset (JORRP) and adult-onset (A0RRP) based on diagnosis before or 12 years of age respectively. The incidence rate of RRP a disease of larynx estimated to be 4.3 per 100,000/year for juvenile-onset and 1.8 per 100,000/year for adult-onset. The disease has been observed in patients during postnatal period and in patients as old as 84 years. Respiratory papillomatosis is the most common benign neoplasm of the larynx in children with tendency to recur and spread to the respiratory tract. Rapid growth of lesions often necessitates surgical incision to avoid asphyxiation. Children are frequently misdiagnosed as asthma, bronchitis or croup. Diagnosis is by laryngoscope and biopsy for HPV.Treatmentcommonly by surgery, carbondioxide laser surgery and photodynamic therapy to controltumors. Many antiviral drugs like cidofovir have been used. Highly effective and safe treatment is not yet available, current therapies not designed to eradicate HPV infection rather to eliminate clinical manifestations. New approaches are directed at molecular viral targets and immunomodulation.