The main cause of genital warts (Condylomata Acuminata) is:
A. Human papilloma virus (HPV)
B. Pelvic inflammatory disease
C. Neisseria gonorrhea
D. Herpes simplex Virus.
Correct answer: A. Human papilloma virus
Explanation
The main cause of genital warts (Condylomata Acuminata) is infection with Human Papillomavirus (HPV), particularly HPV types 6 and 11.
- HPV 6 and 11 → responsible for about 90% of genital warts.
- HPV 16 and 18 → high-risk types associated with cervical and other anogenital cancers, not warts.
Genital warts are sexually transmitted and appear as soft, cauliflower-like growths on the genital or anal area.
Other Options Details
Here’s a detailed description of each option:
A. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV):
- Type: Virus
- Transmission: Mainly sexual contact (vaginal, anal, or oral).
- Clinical significance: Causes genital warts, and certain high-risk strains (like HPV 16 and 18) are associated with cervical, anal, and other anogenital cancers.
- Diagnosis: Pap smear (cytology), HPV DNA testing.
- Prevention: HPV vaccination, safe sexual practices.
B. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID):
- Type: Infection/inflammatory condition
- Cause: Usually polymicrobial; commonly caused by sexually transmitted pathogens like Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis.
- Clinical features: Lower abdominal pain, fever, abnormal vaginal discharge, dyspareunia (painful intercourse), sometimes irregular bleeding.
- Complications: Infertility, ectopic pregnancy, chronic pelvic pain.
- Diagnosis: Clinical evaluation, pelvic exam, laboratory tests, sometimes ultrasound.
- Treatment: Broad-spectrum antibiotics.
C. Neisseria gonorrhoeae:
- Type: Bacterium (Gram-negative diplococcus)
- Transmission: Sexual contact (vaginal, anal, oral)
- Clinical significance: Causes gonorrhea, which may lead to urethritis, cervicitis, PID, and neonatal infections.
- Symptoms: Dysuria, purulent discharge, sometimes asymptomatic.
- Diagnosis: Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), culture of discharge.
- Treatment: Antibiotics (often ceftriaxone).
D. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV):
- Type: Virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2)
- Transmission: Sexual contact, direct contact with lesions, sometimes vertical transmission during birth.
- Clinical significance: Causes genital herpes, which presents as painful vesicular lesions on genitalia, recurrent episodes due to viral latency.
- Diagnosis: PCR, viral culture, serology.
- Treatment: Antiviral medications (acyclovir, valacyclovir) to reduce symptoms and viral shedding; no permanent cure.
I hope that you liked this article.
Thanks!! 🙏 😊
Writer: Vandita Singh, Lucknow (GS India Nursing Group