Final answer:
The STI that causes abnormal cell growth is Human papillomavirus (HPV), which can lead to genital warts and cervical cancer and is the most common STI in the U.S.
Step-by-step explanation:
The common STI that infects cells and causes them to grow abnormally is Human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is responsible for conditions such as genital warts and can even lead to cervical cancer.
Unlike bacterial STIs, viral infections like HPV cannot be completely cured, but a vaccine named Gardasil® is available to prevent most HPV infections.
HPV infections are particularly concerning because they are the most prevalent STI in the United States and are associated with a variety of reproductive health issues.