Which Human Papillomavirus (HPV) type is associated with Butcher's wart?

HPV Type 7 is Associated with Butcher's Wart

HPV type 7 is the specific human papillomavirus type associated with Butcher's wart. 1, 2, 3, 4 This association is well-documented in the medical literature, with multiple studies confirming HPV-7 as the causative agent for this distinctive clinical entity.

Characteristics of Butcher's Wart and HPV-7 Infection

• Butcher's warts are named for their historical association with meat handlers, particularly butchers 1, 4
• HPV-7 typically causes common wart-like or papillomatous lesions 4
• While primarily associated with occupational exposure in meat handlers, HPV-7 can also appear in:
  • Immunocompromised individuals, particularly those with HIV 2, 5
  • Non-butchers with no history of meat handling 1, 3
  • Unusual anatomical locations such as toe webs 1 or facial skin 3

Differentiating Features from Other HPV Types

HPV-7 differs from other common wart-causing HPV types:

• HPV types 1,2,4,27, and 57 are the most common causes of typical common warts 6
• HPV types 3 and 10 typically cause plane warts 6
• HPV types 6 and 11 are responsible for approximately 90% of genital warts 6, 7

Clinical Significance

Understanding the specific HPV type is important for several reasons:

• Diagnostic accuracy: Identifying HPV-7 can help confirm the diagnosis of Butcher's wart
• Treatment considerations: While treatment approaches are similar to other wart types, knowing the specific HPV type can help guide expectations regarding treatment response
• Epidemiological significance: HPV-7 in non-butchers may suggest immunosuppression or other predisposing factors 2, 3

Management Considerations

Treatment of Butcher's warts follows similar principles to other cutaneous warts:

• Destructive therapies such as cryotherapy or salicylic acid preparations 6
• Maintaining a dry environment for lesions in moist areas (such as toe webs) 1
• Consider evaluation for immunosuppression in non-butchers presenting with HPV-7 lesions 2

Special Considerations

• The presence of HPV-7 in individuals without occupational exposure to meat may warrant consideration of immune status evaluation, particularly in unusual or extensive presentations 2, 5
• Local factors such as seborrheic dermatitis may create a favorable environment for HPV-7 infection even in immunocompetent individuals 3

In summary, while HPV types 1,2,4,27, and 57 cause most common warts, Butcher's wart represents a distinct clinical entity specifically associated with HPV type 7 infection.