A virus that causes genital warts in humans.
The virus that causes warts. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infects only the topmost layer of the skin and is responsible for the appearance of skin growths called warts that may appear anywhere on the outer surface of the body.
A papillomavirus that is specific to humans and is a common viral sexually transmitted disease in the U.S. A number of HPV types, especially HPV 16, 18, 31, and 45, have been shown to contribute to squamous cell cancers of the anogenital region, including cancers of the anus, cervix, penis, and vulva. Others (types 6 and 11) are responsible for genital warts. Cervical cancer kills nearly 4,000 women in the U.S. annually.
Within the realm of virology, there exists a collective of viruses that instigate the development of anomalous cell growth, characterized by the emergence of warts or papillomas. It is noteworthy that certain strains within this group possess the potential to induce cervical cancer, highlighting the severity of their impact on human health.
The human papillomavirus, responsible for warts and genital warts, comes in over 70 different subtypes. At least two of these subtypes are believed to be contributing factors in the development of cervical and anal cancer.