Tobacco tied to higher risk of oral HPV infection, Study finds

Tobacco use in any form appears to be linked to an increased risk of infection with oral human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16), a virus that can cause cancers of the mouth and throat, according to Johns Hopkins University researchers. The odds of being infected with HPV16, a sexually transmitted disease, rise as tobacco use increases, the researchers said. As few as three cigarettes a day can increase the risk of infection with HPV by almost one-third, according to the study. How tobacco use might influence HPV16 infection isn't clear http://www.philly.com/philly/health/cancer/HealthDay692487_20141007_Tobacco_Tied_to_Higher_Risk_of_Oral_HPV_Infection__Study_Finds.html Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/health/cancer/HealthDay692487_20141007_Tobacco_Tied_to_Higher_Risk_of_Oral_HPV_Infection__Study_Finds.html#00m8L8lvoMvhD6jb.99