Humanes Papillomavirus (HPV)

Papillomaviruses are small, non-enveloped viruses that are significant worldwide and infect mucosal and skin epithelia in a variety of species. They induce cell proliferation and belong to a group of small DNA viruses that cause benign tumors such as warts and papillomas in their natural host. These viruses are widespread and can cause infections in higher vertebrates, including mammals and birds. The lesions can be cutaneous or affect the squamous epithelium of the mucosa in the larynx, esophagus, or genital areas. Infections often lead to very small lesions that are sometimes not even visible to the naked eye. It seems that the infection can remain in the host for a long time. Several types of the virus have been found in different skin areas of healthy humans and animals, indicating a latent infection in the host. A weakening and suppression of the immune system in humans can activate a latent infection or increase the likelihood of re-infection from active lesions, leading to open lesions. Close body contact can also sometimes break the species barrier and transmit the infection from one species to another.