Human papillomavirus infection is caused by any of a large group of related viruses that infect the skin and mucous membranes. Most infections cause no symptoms and clear on their own, but some strains cause warts, while a smaller number of high-risk strains are linked to the development of several cancers, including cervical cancer. It is transmitted primarily through intimate skin-to-skin contact, most often during sexual activity.
Facts
Condition Classinfectious, viral, chronic 3 Causative AgentHuman papillomavirus (HPV), a group of over 200 related viruses; certain high-risk types cause cervical and other cancers. 3 First Described PrevalenceAn estimated 620,000 new cancer cases in women and 70,000 new cancer cases in men were caused by HPV in 2019, according to World Health Organization data. 3 Classification
ICD-10 ChapterI: Certain Infectious and Parasitic Diseases 2 Communicable or Non-communicable Causative Agent
Causative Agent (category) Connections
Associated With
Sexually transmitted viral infection, principal cause of cervical cancer; obstetrics-and-gynecology specialty.
Sources
1. Wikipedia: Human Papillomavirus Infection
WikipediaWikipedia: Human papillomavirus infection, Warts
While cases of warts have been described since ancient Greece, their viral cause was not known until 1907, when Dr. Giuseppe Ciuffo showed their viral nature by inoculating a wart extract into the skin.
Lead section, body-system statement
These lesions, depending on the site affected, increase the risk of cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, anus, mouth, tonsils, or throat.
View the Source 2. Wikipedia: ICD-10
WikipediaList of chapters, Chapter IQuote, List of chapters, Chapter I
Certain infectious and parasitic diseases
3. World Health Organization Fact Sheets
WHO fact sheet: HPV and cancer, Overview
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the name of a group of 200 known viruses.
WHO fact sheet: HPV and cancer, Global burden
Globally, it is estimated that 620 000 new cancer cases in women and 70 000 new cancer cases in men were caused by HPV in 2019.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many kinds of human papillomavirus are there?
About 200 known viruses make up the group; only some high-risk types are linked to cancer.
Human papillomavirus is not one virus but a group of about 200 known viruses. Only a smaller number of high-risk types are linked to cancers such as cervical cancer, while most infections cause no symptoms and clear on their own. The World Health Organization estimated that HPV caused about 620,000 new cancer cases in women and 70,000 in men in 2019.
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