HSV-2/HPV Transmission via Fomites

[tr80237]

Ok.  I've read through the previous posts on the site, and I've also done a very thorough search of the information I could find online, and I think that most would agree that HSV-2 is probably not transmitted via fomites; however, there appears to be no concensus on the transmission of HPV via fomites.

One article suggests that "Whether transmission of HPV can occur via HPV-contaminated fomites such as underwear, surgical instruments, sex toys, etc., is unproven and is unlikely for HPV, which is by definition an obligatory intranuclear 'parasite' incapable of surviving for any length of time outside of squamous cells."

Source: Contemporary OB/GYN
By: Alex Ferenczy, MD, Eduardo L. Franco, MPH, DrPH
Originally published: April 1, 2007

Other articles go so far as to say that there have been documented cases of HPV tranmission via fomites.

The parties that seem to lean towards HPV transmission via fomites as possible all seem to think that the fomite would have to be what I would summarize as a "direct contact" fomite (e.g. underwear, sex toy, towels, etc.) that had made direct contact with the genitals of an infected person, so it would seem that having one degree of separation (i.e. carrier touches genitals, then touches doorknob, potential host touches doorknob, then touches genitals) would make transmission less likely for the fomite transmission proponents.

My exposure is this:  I touched the doorknob going into a restroom at work, and then I masturbated without cleaning my hands.

Is is possible to get HSV-2 or HPV from this?  From all I've read I would guess that HSV-2 is impossible to get in this manner, but HPV seems plausible.

I know that Dr. HHH has often mentioned in his posts that enough of the pathogen must be massaged into the skin to cause infection, so that's why I think that the masturbation creates a different scenario than just normally using the restroom after touching the doorknob.

I'm extremely nervous.  Please help.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

I'm going to treat your question as though it is a legitimate question although I must admit I hesitate to do so.  Transmission of either HSV or HPV via fomites is not a concern and can be best classified as an urban myth.  

While there have been a (very) few case reports in which persons have suggested that fomites might occasionally be related to HPV transmission, those which have any element of credibility  have indicated the direct introduction of HPV contaminated material through previously intact skin.  HPV and HSV would be non viable soon after being deposited on a doorknob.  Masturbation is not sufficiently traumatic to "work" the virus onto one's skin.

As far as the absence of a spleen--no impact on risk or natural history of HPV.  EWH

[tr80237]

I forgot to include that I do not have a spleen if that matters relative to your answer.  Sorry.

[tr80237]

Thanks Dr. Hook,

So even there were a small break in the skin (from a pimple or something), it still wouldn't matter?

I would also be interested to know how the structure of genital HPV differs from the of the strains of HPV that cause common warts and plantar warts, which are spread by fomites, correct?

Thanks

[Edward W Hook, MD]

You seem to be working for me to give yo a different answer- I will not.  If you had a break in the skin that you are aware of, I'm sure you would have told me.  Even if it had been there, this would not change my assessment.  Realx!

The difference in the different types of HPV is a function of their genetic structure.  It is far beyond the scope of this site to go beyond this.  EWH

[tr80237]

Yes Doctor.  I actually did have a small pimple, which I also forgot to include in my initial post, but if you say that doesn't affect your assessment.  Then I should be perfectly fine right?

I tend to be a worrier.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

For the lst time (and it is the last time, this post is over)  you are perfectly fine.  You did not get HPV from the doorknob.  EWH