NOT true about HPV is
**Core Concept**
HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is a significant public health concern due to its association with various malignancies, including cervical, anal, oropharyngeal, and genital cancers. The virus has over 100 genotypes, with some being high-risk and others low-risk.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
HPV causes cancer by integrating its DNA into the host genome, leading to the disruption of normal cellular function and uncontrolled cell growth. High-risk HPV types, such as HPV 16 and 18, are responsible for the majority of cervical cancers. The virus's oncogenic potential is attributed to its ability to inactivate tumor suppressor proteins, such as p53 and Rb, which normally regulate cell division and prevent cancer.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because HPV is not a sexually transmitted disease in the classical sense; it is primarily a skin-to-skin contact virus.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because HPV can cause a range of benign lesions, including condyloma acuminata, which are also known as genital warts.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because the primary mode of HPV transmission is through skin-to-skin contact, not through the exchange of bodily fluids.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
HPV vaccines, such as Gardasil and Cervarix, are effective in preventing infections caused by high-risk HPV types. These vaccines are recommended for individuals between 9 and 26 years old, and they offer long-term protection against HPV-related diseases.
**Correct Answer: B. HPV can cause benign lesions, including condyloma acuminata, which are also known as genital warts.**