What is the causative agent of warts in children?

What is the causative agent of warts in children?

• A. Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• B. Staphylococcus aureus
• C. Herpes simplex virus
• D. Varicella zoster virus

Answer: (A)

Warts are caused by human papillomavirus. HPV infects the outer skin layers, entering through tiny breaks in the skin and triggering rapid growth of keratinocytes that form the rough, raised papules we know as warts. In children, common warts typically appear on the hands, while plantar warts occur on the soles. The other organisms listed are not responsible for warts: Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium that causes impetigo and other bacterial skin infections; herpes simplex virus produces vesicular lesions such as cold sores or genital herpes; varicella zoster virus leads to chickenpox and shingles with vesicular rashes. Therefore, the causative agent is HPV.

Warts are caused by human papillomavirus. HPV infects the outer skin layers, entering through tiny breaks in the skin and triggering rapid growth of keratinocytes that form the rough, raised papules we know as warts. In children, common warts typically appear on the hands, while plantar warts occur on the soles. The other organisms listed are not responsible for warts: Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium that causes impetigo and other bacterial skin infections; herpes simplex virus produces vesicular lesions such as cold sores or genital herpes; varicella zoster virus leads to chickenpox and shingles with vesicular rashes. Therefore, the causative agent is HPV.