Papillomaviruses are a diverse group of DNA-based viruses that infect the skin and mucous membranes of humans and a variety of animals (replicating exclusively in keratinocytes).

More than 100 different human papillomavirus (HPV) types have been characterized.

Some HPV types cause benign skin warts, or papillomas, for which the virus family is named.

HPVs associated with the development of such "common warts" are transmitted environmentally or by casual skin-to-skin contact.

A separate group of about 30 HPVs are typically transmitted through sexual contact.

Genital HPV infection is very common, with estimates suggesting that up to 75% of women will become infected with one or more of the sexually transmitted HPV types at some point during adulthood.

HPV infection is a necessary factor in the development of nearly all cases of cervical cancer.

Cervical Pap smear testing is used to detect HPV-induced cellular abnormalities..

For more information about the topic HPV, read the full article at Wikipedia.org, or see the following related articles:

HPV vaccine — Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine research focuses on the prevention of diseases, such as cervical cancer and genital warts, caused by sexually ...  > read more

Sexually transmitted disease — Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) also known as sexually transmissible diseases, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or (infrequently) venereal ...  > read more

Trichomoniasis — Trichomoniasis, sometimes referred to as "trich" or the ping pong disease, is a common sexually transmitted disease that affects 2 to 3 million ...  > read more

Plantar wart — Plantar warts are warts caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). They are small lesions that appear on the sole of the foot and are typically ...  > read more

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HPV Infection Common Among American Females (February 28, 2007) — Data from a national study suggests that about one in four U.S. females between the ages of 14 and 59 years may have the sexually transmitted infection human papillomarivus (HPV), according to a ...  > read more

Parents' Guide To Understanding HPV Vaccine (August 15, 2007) — Many parents are still divided over a new vaccine that can provide protection against human papillomavirus, or HPV, a very common sexually transmitted disease that is linked to cervical cancer and ...  > read more

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