HPV Types Associated with Genital Warts
HPV types 6 and 11 are responsible for approximately 90% of all genital warts (condyloma acuminata). 1
Primary Causative Types
HPV types 6 and 11 account for the vast majority (approximately 90%) of anogenital warts, making them the most clinically significant low-risk HPV types for this condition. 1, 2, 3
These are classified as "low-risk" HPV types because they rarely progress to invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the external genitalia. 1
The average incubation period from infection with HPV types 6 or 11 to development of visible genital warts is approximately 2-3 months. 1
Less Common HPV Types
HPV types 16,18,31,33, and 35 are occasionally found in visible genital warts but are more strongly associated with squamous intraepithelial neoplasia and malignancy rather than benign warts. 1, 2
These high-risk types can be present in genital warts and are associated with external genital squamous cell carcinoma in situ (bowenoid papulosis, Erythroplasia of Queyrat, or Bowen's disease). 1
Clinical Implications
Patients with visible genital warts can be infected simultaneously with multiple HPV types, potentially including both low-risk and high-risk types. 1, 3
Type-specific HPV nucleic acid testing is not recommended for routine diagnosis or management of visible genital warts, as visual examination remains the primary diagnostic method. 1, 2
Approximately 65% of people who have sexual contact with an infected partner will develop genital warts themselves, highlighting the highly infectious nature of HPV types 6 and 11. 4