The issue of how human papillomavirus (HPV) is transmitted is essential for even the most basic planning of preventive efforts. It is well established that there is little genital HPV infection among women before sexual debut, with HPV prevalence being highly dependent on both lifetime and recent number of sexual partners,1–3 HPV is also frequently detected on hands and fingers.4 Furthermore, HPV can remain viable outside the body for extended periods of time, meaning that studies of indirect modes of transmission were warranted;5 however, more than 20 years of research on this topic has not provided clear answers.