Graphic illustration of a human papilloma virus in blue. The human papilloma virus (HPV) belongs to the family of papoa viruses. The name consists of the initial letters of the species papilloma virus, polyoma virus, and vacuolating agent (SV 40). Papilloma viruses are a family with more than 70 known species. These DNA viruses only measure about 50nm and don´t have an envelope. The infect epithelial cells and reproduce inside their nuclei. In humans and animals, they cause mostly benign, occasionally self-healing skin and mucosa tumors, so-called warts. Usually no specific therapy is needed due to the self-healing. Besides, effective medicaments are not yet known. Therefore it`s important to have preventive check-ups and avoid unprotected intercourse. There currently is an attempt for a new vaccination to be approved. Anogenital HPV infections include: genital warts or uterine cancer.
