Detailed characteristics of human papillomavirus

At the beginning of the last century, human papillomavirus was mentioned as the cause of warts. However, it was later discovered that it can lead to the development of genital cancer and carcinoma of the throat and rectum in both sexes. Depending on the spectrum of clinical manifestations, doctors have been 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: What is HPV infection? This abbreviated name refers to a group of common and heterogeneous DNA viruses that can damage the skin and mucous membranes. Infection with this substance lasts a long time. Thus, warts were known earlier than the Greeks and Romans, and warts of the anogenital region were known earlier. The PCR method was able to isolate 18 types of HPV DNA from the mummy of Aragon Mary (16th century). And it was only at the beginning of the 21st century that it became possible to influence the spread of a disease-causing substance.

Classification principles

There are several opinions about the number of HPV types. The group has been officially identified as covering more than 170 sushi. Approximately 130 agents consist of 5 genera described and studied in detail. However, scientists already know about 600 species in humans.

HPV was first reported as a single strain in 1971. To date, this information has been greatly enriched, which has led to the creation of a classification that reflects not only the species but also the sex to which the strain belongs. In practice, this is very important because it helps to determine the clinical manifestations and the course of the infection.

Types of viruses are detected according to the following criteria:

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

Classification according to the degree of carcinogenicity is necessary to avoid the consequences associated with the development of oncological processes.

Types of HPV:

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

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

The most dangerous strains

HPV has been shown to cause excessive growth of the dermis, each of which can cause benign growths on the face, neck, back, and abdomen, resembling warts, papillomas, and verukiform dysplasia. However, in the vast majority of cases, highly oncogenic pathogens cause the development of oncology in both men and women. The virus is mainly sexually transmitted and does not provide 100% protection against the penetration of barrier contraceptives.

The following strains are considered the most dangerous:

• Condilomatosis (appearance of pointed growths) - 6, 42.
• Small flat formations on the walls of 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, you should not panic, because the most harmful strains can be "inactive" for a long time. Therefore, it can take decades from infection to cervical cancer.

Penetration of the virus into the body

Papillomavirus is highly contagious, as each species can be transmitted in a certain way.

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

1. Sex with a virus carrier. The most common method of infection. The danger is represented by both traditional and other sexual relations. Because the pathogenic condom is much smaller than the pore diameter, the contraceptive cannot provide 100% protection.
2. Vertical infection involves the mother transmitting the virus to the baby during childbirth. A non-cellular agent can cause laryngeal papillomatosis in a newborn, that is, it causes growths in the mucous membranes of the larynx and mouth, and less in the genitals.
3. Infection and infection at home are also common. Some strains are lively, so they can maintain their activity in a humid environment. When visiting saunas, swimming pools, baths, sharing personal hygiene items, especially if there are invisible micro lesions on the skin, the risk of infection increases.
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 by shaving, epilating, and simply not following the rules of hygiene.

Important to know!High-risk carcinogens are mainly sexually transmitted, and barrier contraceptives 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 with a condom.

Causes of papillomatosis

Regardless of the degree of oncogenicity, HPV is characterized by insidiousness, ie it can live in the human body without manifesting 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 without external signs do not even know that there is an infectious substance in their bodies.

Rapid reproduction does not begin immediately, only the weakening of the defense mechanism, which occurs under favorable conditions, ie against the background of the following factors:

• stress, overwork;
• poor and monotonous food;
• hormonal imbalance;
• bad habits - smoking and alcohol abuse;
• frequent abortions, postpartum complications;
• inflammatory and infectious diseases of the genitourinary system;
• STDs, including AIDS, HIV, herpes;
• acute chronic diseases;
• pregnancy period.

The risk group consists mainly of the fair sex. The risk of infection increases in sexually active people of reproductive age, 20-45 years.

Symptoms at different stages

Human papillomavirus infection can be overt or covert or subclinical. The symptomatic manifestations of the disease are variable, which is associated with the type of HPV, the danger. The latent course of the disease is characterized by the absence of symptoms.

External signs:

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

Forms invisible during external examination:

• dyskeratosis;
• coyocytosis;
• epithelial dysplasia.

Relapses in the background of papillomavirus appear in the form of the following pathologies:

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

Important to know!In the case of a non-oncogenic virus, localized warts can form on the palms and soles of the feet. In the absence of cosmetic discomfort, there is no indication to eliminate.

During an exacerbation, a woman has a fever, chills, itching, fever, and vaginal discharge.

More about the results

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

Against the background of bacterial vaginosis, cervical epithelial transformation and a number of other pathological processes in the body, the risk of developing a pre-cancerous stage or a malignant tumor increases.

The latter include the following states.

1. Cervical cancer. The second disease in women after breast cancer. More than 70% of all cases are caused by the activity of HPV types 16 and 18.
2. Vaginal and vulvar carcinoma. It occupies a leading place in the structure of oncopathologies of the anogenital region. One in ten cases is triggered by low oncogenic 6 or 11 species, and one third of all diseases are caused by viruses 16 and 18.
3. Anal cancer. It is mainly found in women, but is also noted in homosexual men who use a non-traditional method of contact, although doctors do not rule out another way of infection. The cause of oncopathology is type 18 and 16 HPV activity.

Of course, this is not a verdict, but there is a growing need for a comprehensive gynecological and cancer diagnosis based on this information. A thorough examination allows early detection of changes in cells and tissues, which helps to determine how to properly treat human papillomavirus.

Diagnostic procedures

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

Modern examination is carried out very carefully and consists of several procedures:

1. Initial consultation consists of a visual examination to identify external signs (warts, papillomas). If growths are found in the urogenital area, the doctor will refer the patient for further examination of the cervix or ureteroscopy.
2. PAP test or Pap smear cytology. Based on the results divided into classes, the doctor determines the risks of the infectious process. Thus, grades 1 and 2 indicate the normal state of tissues, 3 - about the onset of pathological changes, grades 4 and 5 characterize the presence of oncogenic cells.
3. Colposcopy. It is performed when there is a dysplastic change in the cervical tissues. An acetic acid test is prescribed to determine the activity of the papilloma virus. A positive result appears as a mosaic pattern on the epithelial surface.
4. Histology. Examination of the affected tissue sample is performed if necessary to study the cells and the pathological changes that occur in them. During the procedure, you can identify epithelial structures, especially large ones.
5. PCR. A test that gives the most general and high information. With the help of polymerase chain reaction, it is possible to determine the degree of oncogenicity and the maximum concentration in the blood.
6. Digene testi. Modern innovative research method allows to clarify the existing results and determine the probability of formation of oncology education.

The same diagnostic tactics are used for men. It is sent for tests after visual inspection. Only based on the results of the examination, the specialist can assess the complexity of the clinical situation and prescribe adequate treatment.

Treatment Approaches

Today, there are no drugs that can completely and permanently destroy a viral infection in the body. If self-improvement has not taken place, the most promising integrated approach is. HPV treatment involves the surgical removal of papillomas or warts in the background of systemic therapy with drugs, homeopathic remedies and folk remedies. There are several options for destroying growths.

Radiosurgery. The form is cut with a special knife, after which coagulation is carried out and a bandage is applied.

Laser. A bloodless and painless way. A crust remains at the site of removal, under which the healing process takes place. The disadvantage is the appearance of traces.

Electrocoagulation. The procedure is very similar to the previous two in terms of efficiency, cost and effectiveness.

Cryodestruction. Treatment of all types of growths with liquid nitrogen. Rejected by the skin after freezing. Reasonable price, lack of blood, scarring make this method the most attractive.

Surgical excision. It is very rare, only when there is a suspicion of the possibility of developing oncology, according to indications. Growths are removed with a scalpel.

Systematic treatment of papillomavirus strengthens the immune system, reduces the concentration of DNA in the blood in the agent and prevents the development of malignant processes.

Prescribes pills for this purpose:

• immunomodulators;
• antiviral drugs;
• cytostatics.

The duration of treatment is 10-14 days. If you have a permanent sexual partner, you should convince him to get tested and start therapy. You do not want to be frustrated if you cannot get the right pitch so invest in a good capo.

Preventive measures

Because human papillomavirus is easily spread among people of all ages, there is no guaranteed way to prevent it from penetrating. As patients are considered, the vaccine is a safe option to prevent infection.

Modern medicine offers special serums as a means of protection. The drugs are produced in the form of suspensions in disposable syringes, which facilitates the administration of the vaccine and minimizes the risk of infection. Girls and boys aged 9-14, as well as young women under 26 are vaccinated. Serums are well tolerated by the body.

Vaccination is carried out for prophylactic purposes and can not play the role of a drug.

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

• Carefully monitor personal hygiene;
• get rid of bad habits;
• Strengthen immunity by playing sports;
• Only have unprotected sex, avoid casual sex;
• Be careful when choosing a sexual partner;
• will be examined by a gynecologist, venereologist.

Taking your health seriously will help prevent infection, and if you get a virus, you will reduce the chances of it spreading.

Result

HPV is the most common infection that no one can protect. Prophylactic measures should be taken to prevent the activation of the virus, and to reduce the risk of developing oncology, undergo timely scheduled examinations and consult a specialist.