Human papilloma viruses

Abstract

Genital warts have been recognized for centuries and were described by ancient physicians as "condylomas" or "figs." Despite this ancient association of condylomas and the female genital tract, the true etiology of genital warts has only recently been determined. Nonspecific material such as dirt and genital secretions was implicated in the development of "venereal" warts. In 1890, the histologic similarities between skin and genital warts were described. Skin warts were experimentally produced by inoculation of extracts of penile warts into nongenital epithelia. The viral etiology was demonstrated by the presence of viral particles using electron microscopy in 1949. Sexual transmission of genital warts was affirmed in 1954, although the concept of a common viral etiology for skin and genital warts had obscured the concept that genital warts were a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Sexual transmission of genital warts has been confirmed by several studies finding a high incidence in sexual contacts of those having the disease.