What Is Microbiology - Genital Warts

​Genital Warts

Genital warts is also known as condyloma acuminata. Genital wart is caused by human papillomavirus. 

The common mode of diagnosis is through the pap smear test which evaluate the cytological structure of the cervix. Pap smear also remains the gold standard for detecting cervical cancer. Other modes of investigations may include polymerase chain reaction and hybridization of the DNA.

The modes of transmission is via sexual route. There are different types of human papilloma virus. Human papilloma virus types 1, 2 and 4 is related to common warts which present on the feet and on the hands. Human papilloma virus 6 and 11 may cause benign external genital warts and may lead to laryngeal papillomas in children infected in birth canal from mother who suffer from genital warts. 

Human papilloma virus 16 and 18 are associated with cervical cancer and head as well as neck cancer. 

Human papilloma virus infection may resolve, remain latent or progressing later into dysplasia / carcinoma.

Genital wart or condyloma acuminata can be diagnosed clinically. 

Human papilloma virus may gain entry to the basal epithelial cells from the cracks, lacerations or tears of the mucosal surface or skin via sexual intercourse. 

The common treatment may include cryotherapy or laser therapy in removing the genital warts or application of chemical agents such as trichloroacetic acid or podophyllin to remove the wart. Other alternative may include imiquimod.