Which virus causes genital warts?

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Genital warts are caused by certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV).123

While there are more than 100 distinct types of HPV, genital warts—also known as condylomata acuminata—are specifically associated with certain strains, most notably HPV-6 and HPV-11. These viruses are transmitted through sexual intercourse and infect the mucous membranes of the genital, anal, or oral cavities.145

It is important to note that while most HPV infections are benign, some high-risk strains are linked to cervical cancer and other malignancies. Vaccines such as Gardasil have been developed to protect against both the low-risk strains that cause genital warts and the high-risk strains associated with cancer.14