ABSTRACT
Genital or venereal warts have been observed for centuries and described in outbreaks of syphilis in Europe in the late 15th century. The diagnosis of condyloma acuminata has been advanced by the development of molecular biological techniques. The clinical spectrum of HPV-induced lesions now includes many subclinical infections. The number of HPV infections has increased significantly in the last decade. The pathogenesis of HPV infection occurs with the entry of HPV into basal cells of the epithelium. Anogenital warts may produce bleeding and local discomfort. Common symptoms in men are non-healing penile lesions, penile pruritus, urethral discharge, or a bloody ejaculate. Perianal condylomata are observed as extensions of vulvar lesions in 80% of women with vulvar condylomata. Most lesions of condyloma occur on the external genitalia and the mucous membranes of the female urethra. Condyloma acuminata in infants and children may indicate sexual abuse. Unfortunately the problems of systemic toxicity and inadequate delivery to infected tissue has limited its effectiveness.
