low-risk human papillomavirus

A group of human papillomaviruses (HPV) that can infect cells on the moist surfaces or inner lining of some organs and body cavities, such as the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, anus, mouth, and throat, but rarely cause cancer. Low-risk human papillomavirus infections, most often HPV types 6 and 11, can cause warts on or around the genitals, anus, mouth, larynx, or other parts of the respiratory tract. Low-risk human papillomavirus is transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact, most often during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It can also be transmitted during childbirth, but this is less common. Also called low-risk HPV.