Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most
common causes of sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the world.
Experts estimate that as many as 24 million Americans are infected
with HPV, and the frequency of infection and disease appears to be
increasing. More than 60 types of HPV have been identified by
scientists. Some types of the virus cause common skin warts. About
one-third of the HPV types are spread through sexual contact and live
only in genital tissue. Low-risk types of HPV cause genital warts,
the most recognizable sign of genital HPV infection. Other high-risk
types of HPV cause
cervical
cancer and other genital
cancers.
Like many sexually transmitted organisms, HPV
usually causes a silent infection, that is one that does not have
visible symptoms. One study sponsored by the National Institute of
Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) reported that almost half of
the women infected with HPV had no obvious symptoms. Because the
viral infection persists, individuals may not be aware of their
infection or the potential risk of transmission to others and of
developing complications.
HPV | Genital
Warts | Diagnosis
| Treatment
| Prevention
| Complications
Reprinted from the National Institute of
Allergy and Infectious Diseases
