Genital human papillomavirus infection. A growing health risk.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections of the genital tract are among the most common sexually transmitted viral infections in the United States. Recently, data have accumulated linking HPV with later development of genital neoplasia, particularly cervical neoplasia, causing growing concern among health-care professionals. Genital warts, or condyloma acuminata, are one of the manifestations of genital HPV infections. The clinical spectrum associated with genital HPV infections, however, is much broader than previously recognized and includes a multiplicity of disease entities in both sexes. This article summarizes the etiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, and treatment modalities for genital HPV infections. Nursing implications also are discussed.