Infectious and Rare Diseases

Human papillomavirus

Human Papillomavirus Infection (HPV) is caused by human papillomavirus, it is a DNA virus from the family Papillomavirus. More than 40 types of infections are transmitted through sexual contact and infect the anus and genitals. Risk factors for insistent HPV infections include early age of first sexual intercourse, multiple partners, smoking, and poor Immune function. HPV is typically spread by sustained direct skin-to-skin contact with vaginal and anal sex being the most common methods. Occasionally, it can spread from a mother to her baby during pregnancy. It does not spread via common items like toilet seats. People can become infected with more than one type of HPV. HPV only affects humans.