Final answer:
HPV is the virus that causes genital warts and can also lead to cervical cancer. It is a commonly transmitted virus with both high-risk and low-risk strains. The high-risk strains, particularly HPV 16 and HPV 18, are strongly associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Option a) is correct: HPV is the virus that causes genital warts.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted virus that can cause various health issues, including genital warts and cervical cancer. There are many different strains of HPV, with some being classified as high-risk due to their potential to cause cancer. High-risk HPV strains can lead to different kinds of cancers, with types 16 and 18 being associated with approximately 70% of cervical cancer cases. The body's immune system may clear the infection within 2 years, but if the infection persists, it can lead to the development of precancerous changes in the cervix.