NIAID Research on HPV
In June 2006, Food and Drug Administration approved Gardasil, the first vaccine developed to prevent cervical cancer, precancerous lesions, and genital warts due to HPV types 6,11,16, and 18. FDA licensed the vaccine for use in girls and women aged 9 to 26 years.
Researchers continue to work on another vaccine for HPV to help protect against HPV types 16 and 18.
More about NIAID Research on HPV and Genital Warts | |
Human Papillomavirus
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common causes of sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the world. Health experts estimate there are more cases of genital HPV infection than any other STI in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 6.2 million new cases of sexually transmitted HPV infections are reported every year. At least 20 million people in this country are already infected.
Genital warts
Genital warts (sometimes called condylomata acuminata or venereal warts) are the most easily recognized sign of genital HPV infection. Many people, however, have a genital HPV infection without genital warts.
Genital warts are soft, moist, or flesh colored and appear in the genital area within weeks or months after infection. They sometimes appear in clusters that resemble cauliflower-like bumps, and are either raised or flat, small or large. Genital warts can show up in women on the vulva and cervix, and inside and surrounding the vagina and anus. In men, genital warts can appear on the scrotum or penis. There are cases where genital warts have been found on the thigh and groin.