Canandaigua Medical Group Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Erin McCaig June, 2001 Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD) in this country. It is estimated that as many as 40 million Americans are infected with HPV, and the incidence of this disease appears to be increasing. Scientists have identified more than 60 types of HPV. Some types of the virus cause common skin warts. About one-third of the HPV types can be spread through sexual contact. Several types of HPV can lead to genital warts, the most recognizable sign of genital HPV infection. Certain other types of HPV have been closely associated with the development of cervical cancer and other genital cancers. Like many STD’s, HPV infection often does not cause 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 virus can remain latent in the skin, infected persons may not be aware of their infection and the potential risk of complications. Genital Warts Genital warts (condyloma acuminata or venereal warts) are caused by certain types of HPV. They are spread by sexual contact with an infected partner and are very contagious. Approximately two-thirds of persons who have sexual contact with a partner with genital warts will develop this disease, usually within 3 months of contact. It is estimated that as ...