What is a common viral skin infection that causes warts?

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the correct answer because it is the primary virus responsible for the development of common warts, also known as verrucae vulgaris. HPV infects the skin cells and leads to rapid growth of epithelial cells, resulting in the visible warts on the skin's surface. There are many strains of HPV, with specific types being more closely associated with the growth of warts.

The other viruses listed do not typically cause warts. For instance, the herpes simplex virus is known for causing oral and genital herpes infections, while the varicella-zoster virus is responsible for chickenpox and shingles. Coxsackievirus is associated with hand, foot, and mouth disease but is not linked to wart formation. This distinction clarifies why HPV is specifically recognized for its role in wart development.