Detailed characterization of the human papillomavirus

At the beginning of the last century, the human papillomavirus was mentioned as the cause of the appearance of warts. But later it was found that it can provoke the development of genital cancer in both sexes and cancer of the throat and rectum. Depending on the spectrum of clinical manifestations, physicians were able to isolate different types of HPV and combine them into a specific system.

Everything you need to know about human papillomavirus

More and more people are wondering: HPV infection - what is it? This abbreviation refers to a group of common and heterogeneous DNA viruses that are capable of infecting the skin and mucous membranes. Infection with this drug has been going on for a long time. So warts have been known since the Greeks and Romans and the warts in the anogenital area even earlier. The PCR method even succeeded in isolating type 18 HPV DNA from Mary of Aragon's mummy (XVI century). And it was not until the beginning of the XXI century that it became possible to influence the spread of a disease-causing agent.

Classification Principles

There are several opinions on the number of HPV types. It has been officially established that the group includes more than 170 tribes. They make up 5 genera with approx. 130 agents described and investigated in detail. But researchers already know nearly 600 types found in humans.

HPV as a single species was first recorded in 1971. So far, knowledge of it is greatly enriched, which served as the driving force for the creation of a classification that reflects not only the species but also the genus to which the strain belongs. . In practice, this is of great importance, as it helps to determine the clinical manifestations and the form of the course of infection.

Virus types are detected according to the following criteria:

• transmission method;
• targets (skin or mucous membranes)
• Diseases that develop as a result of infection
• degree of oncogenicity.

Classification according to the degree of carcinogenic properties is necessary to prevent the consequences associated with the development of oncological processes.

HPV Types:

• low risk - strains 6, 12, 14, 42-44;
• intermediate risk - types 31, 35, 51;
• high risk - 16, 18, 45, 56, 58, 59.

This classification allows you to visually assess the degree of risk and develop an appropriate treatment strategy.

The most dangerous strains

It has been proven that HPV is able to provoke an overgrowth of the dermis and lead to the formation of benign formations in the face, neck, back, abdomen, each resembling a wart, papilloma, veruciform dysplasia. However, the highly oncogenic pathogen in the overwhelming majority of cases induces the development of oncology in both men and women. The virus is transmitted primarily through sexual contact, and barrier contraceptives are not able to provide 100% protection against penetration.

The following strains are considered the most dangerous:

• Condylomatosis (appearance of pointed growths) - 6, 42.
• Small flat formations formed on the vagina and cervical canal - 30, 33, 42, 43, 55, 57, 64, 67.
• Cervical carcinoma - 31, 35, 39, 54, 66. HPV types 16 and 18 are considered the most dangerous.

Important to know!Even after identifying the type of virus, do not panic, as the most malicious strains can be in a "sleeping" state for a long time. Therefore, it can take decades from infection to the formation of cervical cancer.

Penetration of the virus into the body

Papillomavirus is considered highly contagious, as each type can be transmitted by a specific method.

The main possibilities for penetration of the pathogen into the body of the "victim" are as follows:

1. Sexual contact with a carrier of the virus. The most common method of infection. The danger is represented by both traditional and other forms of intercourse. Since the pathogen is much smaller than the pore diameter of the condom, contraception cannot provide 100% protection.
2. Vertical infection involves the transmission of the virus from the mother to the baby during birth. A non-cellular agent can cause laryngeal papillomatosis in a newborn, that is, the formation of growths on the mucous membranes of the larynx and mouth, less frequently on the genitals.
3. Contact and household transmission of infection is also considered common. Some strains are remarkable for their vitality, allowing them to retain their activity in a humid environment. When you visit saunas, swimming pools, baths, when you share personal hygiene items, the risk of infection increases, especially if there is invisible micro-damage to the skin.
4. Autoinoculation or self-infection can occur when a live virus cell is accidentally transferred from a damaged area to healthy parts of the skin during shaving, epilation and simply non-compliance with hygiene regulations.

Important to know!The causative agent of high carcinogenic risk is transmitted mainly through sexual contact, and barrier prevention products do not guarantee complete protection against infection. This is due not only to the small size of the virus, but also its localization on the surface of the dermis, which is not covered by condom.

Causes of Papillomatosis Progression

Regardless of the degree of oncogenicity, HPV is characterized by insidious, ie. it is able to live in the human body without showing itself in any way. Depending on the state of the immune system, the incubation period can last from 2-3 weeks to several decades. Therefore, people who do not have external signs are not even aware of the presence of an infectious agent in their body.

Rapid reproduction does not begin immediately either, but only under favorable conditions, namely the weakening of the defense mechanism, which occurs on the basis of the following factors:

• stress, overtime;
• bad and monotonous food
• hormonal imbalance
• Bad Habits - Tobacco Smoking and Alcohol Abuse
• frequent miscarriages, postpartum complications;
• Inflammatory and infectious diseases of the genitals
• STIs, including AIDS, HIV, herpes;
• chronic diseases in the acute stage
• gestation period.

The risk group consists mainly of the fairer sex. The likelihood of infection increases in people of reproductive age 20-45 years who are sexually active.

Symptoms at various stages

Human papillomavirus infection may be pronounced or latent or subclinical. The symptomatic manifestations of the disease are variable, due to the type of HPV, its danger. The latent course of the disease is characterized by the absence of signs.

External characters:

• papillomas;
• flat and vulgar warts;
• genital warts.

Forms not visible on external examination:

• dyskeratosis;
• coylocytosis;
• epithelial dysplasia.

Papillomavirus relapses are manifested in the following pathologies:

• dyskeratosis with mild epithelial changes;
• dysplasia in itself;
• cancer tumor;
• squamous cell carcinoma.

Important to know!In the case of a non-oncogenic virus, the formation of warts localized in the palms, soles of the feet is possible. In the absence of cosmetic discomfort, there is no indication for removal.

During an exacerbation, a woman develops fever, chills, itching, fever, discharge.

More on the consequences

The type and severity of HPV infection are determined by the activity of the pathogen and its type. When the genotype is affected by a high oncogenic risk, prolonged replication contributes to an increase in the number of cellular structures with a genome mutation.

On the background of bacterial vaginosis, transformation of cervical epithelium as well as a number of other pathological processes occurring in the body, the risk of a precancerous stage or the development of a malignant tumor increases.

The latter includes the following modes.

1. Cervical cancer. The second disease after breast cancer in women. More than 70% of all cases are caused by HPV type 16 and 18 activity.
2. Vaginal and vulvar carcinoma. In the structure of oncopathologies in the anogenital area, it occupies a leading place. Every tenth case is provoked by a low-oncogenic strain 6 or 11, and a third of all diseases are caused by a virus 16 and 18.
3. Anal cancer. It is detected mainly in women, but it is also detected in homosexual men who practice unconventional intercourse, although doctors do not rule out another route of transmission. The cause of oncopathology is the activity of HPV types 18 and 16.

Of course, this is not a judgment, but with these data, the need for thorough gynecological diagnosis and cancer diagnosis is increasing. A comprehensive study enables early detection of structural changes in cells and tissues that, in the case of human papillomavirus, help determine how to treat it properly.

Diagnostic Procedures

As already mentioned, diagnostic measures play an important role in the body's defeat with HPV infection.

Modern research is carried out with great care and includes several procedures:

1. The initial consultation includes a visual examination to identify external signs (warts, papillomas). If there is growth in the urogenital tract, the doctor directs the patient for a further examination of the cervix or ureteroscopy.
2. PAP test or Pap smear cytology. Based on the results, which are divided into classes, the doctor determines the risk of the infectious process. So 1 and 2 degrees indicate the normal state of tissue, 3 - around the beginning of pathological changes, 4 and 5 classes characterize the presence of oncogenic cells.
3. Colposcopy. It is performed in case of dysplastic changes in the tissue of the cervix. Acetic acid test is prescribed to clarify the activity of papillomavirus. A positive result appears as a mosaic pattern on the surface of the epithelium.
4. Histology. The examination of a sample of the affected tissue is performed if it is necessary to examine the cells and the pathological changes that occur in them. During the procedure, you can identify epithelial structures of a particularly large size.
5. PCR. The most common and very informative test. Using the polymerase chain reaction, it is possible to perform typing, determine the degree of oncogenicity and the maximum concentration in the blood.
6. Digene test. The modern innovative research method makes it possible to clarify the existing results and determine the probability of the formation of oncology education.

The same diagnostic tactics are used for men. After a visual examination, he is sent for testing. Only according to the results of the examination is the specialist able to assess the complexity of the clinical case and prescribe adequate treatment.

Treatment methods

Today, there are no drugs that can completely and permanently destroy a viral infection in the body. If self-healing has not happened, the most promising is an integrated combined approach. HPV treatment involves surgical removal of papillomas or warts based on systemic therapy with medication, homeopathic remedies and the folk method. There are several opportunities for destruction of plants.

Radiosurgical. The formation is cut out with a special knife, after which coagulation is performed and a bandage is applied.

Laser. Bloodless and painless way. A crust remains at the site of removal during which the healing process takes place. The disadvantage is the appearance of scars.

Electrocoagulation. The procedure is broadly similar to the previous two in terms of efficiency, cost and effective impact.

Cryodestruction. Treatment of growth of any kind with liquid nitrogen. After freezing, they are rejected by the skin. Affordable price, absence of blood, scarring make this method the most attractive.

Surgical excision. It is performed extremely rarely, only according to indications in case of suspicion of the likelihood of developing oncology. The plants are cut out with a scalpel.

Systemic treatment of papillomavirus helps to strengthen the immune system, reduce the concentration of the agent's DNA in the blood and prevent the development of malignant processes.

Prescribes pills for this purpose:

• immune modulators;
• antiviral agents;
• cytostatics.

The course of treatment lasts 10-14 days. If you have a permanent sexual partner, persuade him to undergo an examination and start treatment. You should also not get rid of the growth yourself.

Preventive measures

Since human papillomavirus is easily spread among humans of all ages, there is no guaranteed way to protect against its penetration. As evidenced by patient reviews, vaccination is a reliable way to prevent infection.

Modern medicine offers special serum as a preventative measure. The drugs are produced in the form of a suspension in disposable syringes, which facilitates the administration of the vaccine and minimizes the risk of infection. Girls and boys 9-14 years as well as young women up to 26 years are subject to immunization. Serum is well tolerated by the body.

Vaccination is performed for prophylactic purposes and can not act as a medicine.

To minimize the risk of developing an infection, follow simple recommendations.

• closely monitor personal hygiene;
• get rid of bad habits;
• strengthen immunity by playing sports;
• practice only protected sex, avoid casual relationships;
• carefully approaches the choice of a sexual partner
• should be screened by a gynecologist, venereologist.

Taking your health seriously helps you avoid infection, and if a virus gets in, you reduce the likelihood of spreading it.

Conclusion

HPV is the most common infection that no one can protect against. To prevent activation of the virus, it is necessary to monitor preventive measures and reduce the risk of developing oncology, undergo scheduled timely examinations and consult specialists.