What is the main cause of verruca (warts)?

The main cause of verruca, commonly known as warts, is Human Papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a group of more than 200 related viruses, some of which are responsible for the benign growths on the skin called warts. The virus triggers the proliferation of skin cells, leading to the characteristic raised, rough lesions associated with warts.

There are different strains of HPV responsible for different types of warts, including common warts, plantar warts, and flat warts. Each strain can affect various areas of the body but the overall mechanism of action remains the same: HPV infects the epithelial cells, leading to dysregulated growth and eventually the formation of a wart.

Other options provided do not play a role in causing warts. For example, the influenza virus is associated with respiratory illnesses, herpes simplex virus is known for causing herpes infections, and Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium often involved in skin infections but is unrelated to the development of warts. Therefore, HPV is recognized as the causative agent for verruca, emphasizing the importance of understanding the specific pathogens linked to various skin conditions.