Genital Warts / HPV
What Is HPV Virus
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a non-enveloped DNA virus made up of 72 capsomeres.
It contains double-stranded DNA within an icosahedral (20-sided) capsid. It is a relatively small virus, averaging about 55 nm in size. The virus particle is resistant to high temperatures.
Its DNA structure is 5.2 million daltons, made up of eight thousand base pairs. It is a viral agent that infects the stratified squamous epithelium of the skin and mucous membranes.
HPV viruses are active in skin and mucosal areas.
They can cause serious pathological conditions in many mucosal and skin regions, including vulvar cancer (cancer of the external female genitalia), penile cancer, oropharyngeal (mouth-throat) cancer, and respiratory tract cancers.
Infection card
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- From left to right: sample type · testing window (days) · cleared by treatment (pill) or virus persists (virus) · partner treatment · follow-up after 3 months · pregnancy screening · at the clinic or referral.
Window days are approximate; the doctor decides according to the test type.
HPV: same family, not the same lesion
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- The HPV family splits in two: wart-causing types (6, 11; visible to the eye) and types that change cervical cells (16, 18; found by a smear test).
- The shield in the middle represents the vaccine.
Illustrative animation. Tap to pause or resume.
References
- Human papillomavirus and cancer (fact sheet). World Health Organization (WHO).
- Cervical cancer (fact sheet). World Health Organization (WHO).
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (fact sheet). World Health Organization (WHO).
Medically reviewed by Op. Dr. Şükrü Sanus, Obstetrician & Gynecologist · Last medical review: