What is the difference between condylomata acuminata and condylomata lata?

Condylomata acuminata - genital warts caused by HPV (subtypes 6 and 11); bulky, papilliform anogenital warts.

Condylomata lata - broad, flat, moist perineal warts of secondary syphilis (caused by Treponema pallidum), highly infectious.

Note that condylomata lata are sometimes wrongly attributed to HPV - they are in fact a feature of secondary syphilis.

Clinical relevance. Distinguishing acuminata (HPV) from lata (syphilis) changes diagnosis and treatment.

More Detail

Condylomata acuminata versus lata

These similarly named lesions have entirely different causes.

Condylomata acuminata

• Genital warts caused by HPV (benign subtypes 6 and 11).
• Bulky, cauliflower-like (papilliform) anogenital warts.

Condylomata lata

• A feature of secondary syphilis (Treponema pallidum).
• Broad, flat, moist, wart-like plaques in warm moist areas (perineum, perianal), highly infectious.

Key points

• Condylomata lata are caused by syphilis, not HPV.
• HPV causes condylomata acuminata; the flat moist lesions (condylomata lata) are syphilitic.