Warts are caused by?

AIIMS Nagpur NO - 2018

Applied Microbiology & Infection control

Easy

Appeared in: AIIMS Nagpur NO - 2018

Explanation

Warts are common, benign skin tumors caused by a viral infection.
The specific virus responsible is the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a type of DNA virus.
HPV infects the keratinocytes in the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin), leading to cellular proliferation and the formation of a characteristic rough-textured growth.
While most warts are harmless and self-limiting, certain HPV types are associated with more serious conditions, including cervical cancer.

Option A: Protozoa are single-celled eukaryotic organisms. They are responsible for diseases transmitted through vectors or contaminated food/water, such as malaria and giardiasis, not skin warts.
Option B: Fungi are a distinct kingdom of organisms that cause mycotic infections. They typically infect the skin, hair, and nails, causing conditions like athlete's foot (tinea pedis) or ringworm (tinea corporis), but they do not cause warts.
Option D: Bacteria are prokaryotic microorganisms that cause a wide range of infections, from superficial skin infections like impetigo to systemic illnesses like tuberculosis. They have a different cellular structure and replication mechanism than viruses and do not cause warts.

Visual 1: Photograph - A close-up image of a common wart (verruca vulgaris) on a finger, highlighting its rough, pebble-like surface.
Visual 2: Diagram - An illustration showing a cross-section of the skin with the HPV virus infecting the epidermal layer, leading to the hyperproliferation of cells that form a wart.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Etiology of common warts (verrucae) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must educate patients that warts are contagious and can spread to other body parts (autoinoculation) or to other people through direct contact. Discouraging picking or scratching is a key teaching point.
Patient education should cover over-the-counter treatment options like salicylic acid, as well as clinical procedures such as cryotherapy (freezing with liquid nitrogen), and when to seek medical advice.
It is crucial for nurses to understand the link between certain high-risk HPV types (e.g., 16 and 18) and cancers, particularly cervical cancer. This knowledge reinforces the importance of HPV vaccination for prevention.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of microbiology and dermatology.
First, identify the key term in the question: 'Warts'.
Next, review the options provided, which are four different classes of microorganisms.
Access your knowledge base on the causes of common skin conditions.
Recall that warts (verrucae) are caused by a specific virus, the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
Select the option that correctly categorizes this pathogen, which is 'Viruses'.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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