Detailed description of human papillomavirus

At the beginning of the last century, human papillomavirus was mentioned as the cause of warts. It was later found that it can provoke the development of genital cancer in carcinomas of both the sexes and of the throat and rectum. Based on the range of clinical manifestations, doctors have been able to isolate different types of HPV and combine them into a certain 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 viruses that are widespread and heterogeneous in their DNA structure, which can infect the skin and mucous membranes. Infection with this substance has been going on for a long time. So warts have been known since the time of the Greeks and Romans, while warts in the anogenital area are even earlier. PCR succeeded in isolating the 18th type of HPV DNA from the mummy of Mariam of Aragon (XVI century). Only at the beginning of the XXI century it became possible to influence the spread of the causative agent of the disease.

Classification Principles

There are several theories about the number of HPV types. It is officially established that the group includes more than 170 strains. They represent 5 genera, the description and study of which are about 130 agents. But scientists already know almost 600 types in humans.

HPV as a separate species was first reported in 1971. To date, knowledge about it has been greatly enriched, which has become an incentive to create a classification that reflects not only the species but also the genus to which the strain belongs. In practice, this is of great importance because it helps to determine the clinical manifestations and the course of the infection.

virus types are identified according to the following criteria:

• transfer method;
• purposes (skin or mucous membrane);
• 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.

HPV type:

• Low risk - 6, 12, 14, 42-44 strains;
• Medium 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 adequate treatment strategy.

Most Dangerous Strains

It has been proven that HPV can provoke excessive growth of dermatitis and cause benign growths on the face, neck, back, abdomen, each of which resembles a wart, papilloma, virusiform dysplasia. But a highly oncogenic pathogen in most cases leads to the development of oncology in both men and women. The virus is transmitted primarily through sexual intercourse, and barrier contraceptives cannot provide 100% protection against its penetration.

The following strains are considered the most dangerous:

• Condylomatosis (appearance of acute growths) - 6, 42.
• Small flat growths that form 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!You do not need to panic even after identifying the type of virus, as the most harmful strains can be in a "dormant" state for a long time. Therefore, it can take decades for cervical cancer to develop from infection.

Penetration of the virus into the body

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

The main variants of

penetration of the pathogen in the body of the "victim" are:

1. Sexual contact with a carrier of the virus. The most common method of infection. The threat is represented by both traditional and other forms of sexual intercourse. Because the pathogen is much smaller than the pore diameter of the condom, the contraceptive cannot provide 100% protection.
2. A vertical type of infection involves the mother passing the virus to her baby during childbirth. The non-cellular agent can cause laryngeal papillomatosis in the newborn, i. e. , the formation of growths on the mucous membranes of the larynx and mouth, more rarely on the genitals.
3. Contact of infection and household transmission are also considered. Some strains are distinguished by their viability, so they can maintain their activity in a humid environment. When visiting saunas, swimming pools, baths, sharing personal hygiene items, the risk of infection increases, especially if there are invisible micro-damages on the skin.
4. Autoinoculation or self-infection can occur when a live virus cell accidentally moves from an injured area to healthy parts of the skin during shaving, epilation, and simply without following the rules of hygiene.

Important to know!The high carcinogenic risk factor is mainly sexually transmitted and barrier contraceptives do not provide complete protection against infection. This is caused not only by the small size of the virus but also by the localization on the surface of the dermis that is not covered by a condom.

Causes of papillomatosis progression

Regardless of the degree of oncogenicity, HPV is characterized by insidiousness, ie it can live in the human body without manifesting itself in any form. Depending on the state of the immune system, the incubation period can last from 2-3 weeks to several decades. Therefore, people who have no external signs are not even aware of the presence of an infectious agent in their body.

Rapid multiplication also does not start immediately, but only under favorable conditions, in particular, the weakening of the defense mechanism, which occurs against the background of the following factors:

• stress, reset;
• bad and monotonous food;
• hormonal imbalance;
• Bad Habits - Smoking and Alcohol Abuse;
• Frequent abortions, complications after childbirth;
• Inflammatory and infectious diseases of the genitourinary system;
• STIs, including AIDS, HIV, herpes;
• chronic diseases in the acute stage;
• Pregnancy.

The

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

Symptoms at different stages

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

External signs:

• Papillomas;
• flat and vulgar warts;
• Genital warts.

Forms not visible on external examination:

• dyskeratosis;
• coilocytosis;
• epithelial dysplasia.

Recurrences of papillomavirus occur in the form of the following pathologies:

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

Important to know!In the case of a non-oncogenic virus, it is possible to develop localized warts on the soles of the feet. In the absence of cosmetic discomfort, removal is not indicated.

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

More results about results

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

Against the background of bacterial vaginosis, transformation of the cervical epithelium and other pathological processes in the body increases the risk of developing precancerous stage or malignant tumor.

The latter includes the following states.

1. Cervical cancer. The second disease after female breast cancer. More than 70% of all cases are caused by HPV type 16 and 18 activity.
2. Carcinoma of the vagina and vulva. It occupies a leading place in the structure of oncopathologies of the anogenital area. Every tenth case is provoked by low oncogenic strain 6 or 11 and one third of all diseases are caused by 16 and 18 viruses.
3. anal cancer. It is mainly found in women, but is also observed in homosexual men who use the non-traditional method of sexual intercourse, although doctors do not rule out another way of transmission. The cause of oncopathology is HPV type 18 and 16 activity.

Of course, this is not a verdict, but with this data the need for gynecological and cancer diagnoses is growing. Comprehensive examination allows early detection of structural changes in cells and tissues, which in the case of human papillomavirus helps to determine its proper treatment.

Diagnostic procedures

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

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

1. Initial consultation includes visual examination for external signs (warts, papillomas). If an increase is found in the urogenital area, the doctor will refer the patient for an additional cervical examination or urethroscopy.
2. PAP test or Pap smear cytology. Based on the results, which are divided into classes, the doctor determines the risks of the infectious process. Grades 1 and 2 indicate the normal state of the tissues, 3 - the onset of abnormal changes, grades 4 and 5 indicate the presence of oncogenic cells.
3. Colposcopy. It is performed in case of dysplastic changes in the tissues of the cervix. An acetic acid test is prescribed to determine the activity of the papilloma virus. A positive result is seen as a mosaic pattern on the surface of the epithelium.
4. Histology. Examination of the affected tissue sample is performed if it is necessary to study the cells and the pathological changes that have occurred in them. During the procedure you can detect particularly large epithelial structures.
5. PCR. The most common and highly informative test. With the help of polymerase chain reaction it is possible to perform typing, determine the degree of oncogenicity and maximum concentration in the blood.
6. Digen test. A modern innovative method of research allows to clarify the existing results and determine the likelihood of the formation of oncology education.

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

Treatment Approaches

Today there is no drug that can completely and permanently destroy a viral infection in the body. If self-healing has not occurred, then the most promising is the integrated combined approach. HPV treatment involves the surgical removal of papillomas or warts in the setting of systemic medications, homeopathic remedies, and folk remedies. There are several options for destroying growth.

Radiosurgical. The formation is cut out with a special knife, after which coagulation is carried out 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 basically similar to the previous two in terms of efficiency, cost and effective impact.

Cryodestruction. Treat any type of growth with liquid nitrogen. After freezing, they reject the skin. Affordable price, lack of blood, scars make this method the most attractive.

Surgical excision. It is performed extremely rarely, only according to the instructions in case of doubt about the likelihood of developing oncology. The growths are intersected by a scalpel.

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

Defines pills for this purpose:

• Immunomodulators;
• antivirus products;
• Cytostatics.

The duration of the treatment course is 10-14 days. If you have a regular sexual partner, you need to persuade them to get tested and start therapy. You also do not have to avoid growth yourself.

Prophylactic measures

Since human papillomavirus is easily spread to people of all ages, there is no guaranteed way to protect it from penetration. As patient reviews have confirmed, vaccination is a reliable option for the prevention of infection.

Modern medicine offers special serums as a preventive measure. Medications are made in the form of a suspension, in single-use syringes, which facilitates the administration of the vaccine and reduces the risk of infection. Girls and boys aged 9-14, as well as young women under 26 are subject to immunization. Serums are well tolerated by the body.

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

To reduce your risk of developing an infection, you should follow simple recommendations.

• Carefully monitor personal hygiene;
• Get rid of bad habits;
• Boosts immunity through sports;
• Practice only safe sex, avoid casual relationships;
• Carefully choose your sexual partner;
• to be examined by a gynecologist, venereologist.

A serious understanding of health will help you prevent infection and reduce the likelihood of spreading the virus if it gets infected.

Conclusion

HPV is the most common infection that no one can protect against. To prevent the activation of the virus it is necessary to take prophylactic measures and reduce the risk of developing oncology, conduct scheduled examinations in a timely manner and consult with specialists.