Final answer:
Multiple peripheral papillomas are caused by cells infected with the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV can lead to various types of warts, including genital warts, and is also associated with several cancers.
Step-by-step explanation:
Multiple peripheral papillomas, commonly known as warts, originate in cells infected with human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that can lead to various health issues including genital warts and cervical cancer. The HPV family consists of over 100 related viruses, each with unique characteristics that determine the infection's outcome. Infection with HPV causes the virus to enter body cells, hijack the cell's metabolic machinery, and produce more virus particles. While many types of HPV cause common warts on different parts of the body, certain strains are associated with genital warts or condylomata acuminata, which are prevalent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).