- Abstract -

Human papillomavirus (HPV), member of the papillomavirus family, is one of the most common causes of sexually transmitted infection in the world and it is found most commonly in young adults and sexually active teenagers. HPV infection is located only in the stratified epithelium of the skin or mucous membranes. There are over 100 types of human papillomavirus. Most are harmless, but about 30 types can cause cancer.

The major theme of HPV treatment is that while no effective antiviral drugs are yet available, a healthy immune response can clear or contain the infection. Abstinence is the only 100% way to avoid getting HPV. The HPV vaccine has been developed to immunize people against the high-risk types of HPV so that their body can fight the HPV if they contact HPV during sexual contact and so that the HPV infection can be prevented.

Key words: human papillomasvirus, teenagers, genital warts.