The main cause of genital warts (Condylomata Acuminata) is:

ESIC Nursing Officer - 2019 (Shift-2)

Medical Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: ESIC Nursing Officer - 2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

Genital warts, medically termed condylomata acuminata, are benign growths caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
Over 85% of genital wart cases are specifically caused by low-risk HPV types 6 and 11.
HPV is a sexually transmitted infection, and while many infections are asymptomatic and clear spontaneously, certain types manifest as visible warts.

Option B: Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a syndrome of infection affecting the upper female reproductive tract (e.g., uterus, fallopian tubes). It is a potential complication of other STIs like gonorrhea, not a direct cause of external warts.
Option C: Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a bacterium that causes the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhea, which typically presents with purulent discharge and dysuria.
Option D: Herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes genital herpes, an infection characterized by the formation of painful, fluid-filled vesicles (blisters) or ulcers, which is a different clinical presentation from the solid, fleshy growths of condylomata acuminata.

Visual 1: Image - A close-up clinical photograph showing the typical cauliflower-like appearance of condylomata acuminata on the genital skin. This helps learners visually identify the condition described.
Visual 2: Diagram - A chart comparing the clinical presentations of common STIs: HPV (warts), HSV (vesicles/ulcers), Gonorrhea (discharge), and Syphilis (chancre). This reinforces differential diagnosis.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Etiology of Genital Warts (Condylomata Acuminata) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses have a vital role in educating patients about HPV, including its transmission, prevention through vaccination (Gardasil 9), and the importance of safe sex practices.
Patient counseling should include the distinction between low-risk HPV types that cause warts and high-risk types that cause cancer, emphasizing the need for regular cervical cancer screening (Pap/HPV tests) for women.
It's important to inform patients that even after warts are treated and removed, the HPV virus may remain in the body, and recurrences are possible.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'main cause' and 'genital warts (Condylomata Acuminata)'.
This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of the causative agents of common sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Systematically evaluate each option by recalling the disease or condition it causes.
Recall that Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is widely known to cause various types of warts, including those on the genitals.
Recognize that Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is a condition or syndrome, not a specific microorganism that causes warts.
Differentiate Neisseria gonorrhoeae as the cause of gonorrhea and Herpes Simplex Virus as the cause of herpes (blisters), neither of which cause the warty growths of condylomata acuminata.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QDvxZ-6EMYbVwsKAjOYspg