papillomavirusArticle Free Pass papillomavirus, also spelled
papilloma virus, any of a subgroup of viruses belonging to the
family Papillomaviridae that infect birds and mammals, causing
warts (papillomas) and other benign tumours, as well as
malignant cancers of the genital tract and the uterine cervix in
humans. They are small polygonal viruses containing circular
double-stranded DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). More than 100
distinct types of human papillomaviruses (HPVs) have been
identified by DNA analysis, and there are numerous types of
animal papillomaviruses, including bovine papillomavirus (BPV),
canine oral papillomavirus (COPV), and cottontail rabbit
papillomavirus (CRPV; or Shope papillomavirus). Skin warts are
the most common sign of infection with papillomavirus. In humans
warts may be of two types—flat (which are superficial and
usually on the hands) or plantar (on the soles of the feet and
on the toes). Warts also commonly occur on the genitals
(condylomata acuminata). In humans and most other an