Which virus family is associated with the formation of warts?

Which virus family is associated with the formation of warts?

• A. Papillomavirus
• B. Variola
• C. Herpes
• D. Pox

Answer: (A)

Warts arise from infection of skin or mucous membranes by papillomaviruses, a group of small, non-enveloped DNA viruses that specifically target epithelial cells. When these viruses infect keratinocytes, they drive uncontrolled cell growth and keratin production, giving the characteristic rough, raised lesions we call warts. This is different from the other viruses listed: variola causes smallpox (a poxvirus), herpesviruses cause herpes lesions, and poxviruses cause pox lesions. Since warts are a hallmark of papillomavirus infection, that is the correct association.

Warts arise from infection of skin or mucous membranes by papillomaviruses, a group of small, non-enveloped DNA viruses that specifically target epithelial cells. When these viruses infect keratinocytes, they drive uncontrolled cell growth and keratin production, giving the characteristic rough, raised lesions we call warts. This is different from the other viruses listed: variola causes smallpox (a poxvirus), herpesviruses cause herpes lesions, and poxviruses cause pox lesions. Since warts are a hallmark of papillomavirus infection, that is the correct association.