What is human papilloma virus?

Also known as: HPV.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted viral infection in the USA, in which half of cases occur among adolescents and young adults.

It is most frequently spread through unprotected sexual contact with an infected partner, though it can be spread at the time of infant delivery or by non-sexual skin-to-skin routes which is the frequent mode of spread in children.

HPV affects the throat, skin, genital area, and cervix.

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Reviewed by: Jack Wolfsdorf, MD, FAAP

This page was last updated on: 1/29/2019 3:21:13 PM