Causes of Warts by HPV Subtypes

The culprit behind the development of warts is the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are as many as 130 known distinct types of HPVs to date. Here is a list of the types of warts and the specific HPV subtypes that cause them.

Common warts

These warts are commonly caused by HPV types 2 and 4. They also caused by types 1, 3 27, 29 and 57 (and others).

Plantar Warts

These warts are most commonly caused by HPV type 1 and also types 2, 3, 4, 27, 29 and 57 (and others).

Flat (“plane”) Warts

These warts are caused by HPV types 3, 10 and 28.

Anogenital Warts (including Condylomata acuminata, venereal warts, anal warts)

These highly contagious sexually transmitted warts are most commonly caused by HPV type 6 and 11, and also by types 13, 44, 40, 42, 43, 54, 61, 72, 81, 89 (and others).

Butcher’s Warts

These warts, seen in people who handle raw meat frequently are caused by HPV type 7.

Heck’s Disease

It is also known as focal epithelial hyperplasia characterized by white to pinkish papules that appear diffusely in the oral cavity – caused by HPV types 13 and 32.

High-Risk Warts (associated with cancers)

High-risk HPV types that are associated with cancers such as cervical cancer and oropharyngeal cancers are 16 and 18. Other types include 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 52, 58 and 59 (and others).