Detailed characteristics of human papillomavirus

At the beginning of the last century, the human papilloma virus was mentioned as the cause of warts. But it later turned out that it can provoke the development of genital cancer in both sexes, as well as carcinoma of the throat and rectum. Depending on the range of clinical manifestations, doctors were able to isolate different types of HPV and combine them into a specific system.

Everything you need to know about the human papilloma virus

More and more people are thinking: HPV infection - what is it? This abbreviation refers to a group of viruses that are widespread and heterogeneous in the structure of DNA and 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 Greek and Roman times, and anogenital warts are even earlier. The PCR method even managed to isolate HPV type 18 DNA from the Mummy of Mary of Aragon (16th century). And it was only at the beginning of the 21st century that it became possible to influence the spread of pathogens.

Classification Principles

There are several views on the number of HPV types. It is officially determined that the group includes more than 170 strains. They consist of 5 genera, and about 130 agents have been described and studied in detail. But scientists already know the types found in almost 600 people.

HPV was first registered as a single species in 1971. To date, knowledge of this has been greatly enriched, which has been the impetus for the development of a classification that reflects not only the species but also the genus to which the strain belongs. In practice, this is important because it helps to determine the clinical manifestations and form of the infection.

Virus types are defined 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 carcinogenicity is necessary to avoid the consequences associated with the development of oncological processes.

Types of HPV:

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

This classification allows a visual assessment of the degree of risk and the development of an appropriate treatment strategy.

The most dangerous strains

HPV has been shown to cause overgrowth of the dermis and lead to the formation of benign formations on the face, neck, back, abdomen, and each of them looks like warts, papillomas, veruciform dysplasia. But the highly oncogenic pathogen in the vast majority of cases provokes the development of oncology in both men and women. The virus is mainly transmitted through sexual contact, and barrier contraceptives are not able to provide 100% protection against its entry.

The following strains are considered to be the most dangerous:

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

Important to know!Even after determining the type of virus, you should not panic, as the most malicious strains may be in an "inactive" state for a long time. Therefore, it can take decades from infection to cervical cancer.

Virus entering the body

Papilloma virus is considered highly contagious and each type can be transmitted by a specific method.

The main ways in which a pathogen enters the body of a "victim" are as follows:

1. Sexual contact with a virus carrier. The most common method of infection. The danger is represented by both traditional and other types of sexual intercourse. Because the pathogen is much smaller than the pore diameter of the condom, the contraceptive cannot provide 100% protection.
2. Vertical infection involves mother-to-child transmission of the virus during childbirth. A non-ocular agent can cause laryngeal papillomatosis in the newborn, that is, growths in the larynx and oral mucosa, less commonly in the genitals.
3. Contact and household transmission of infection are also considered common. Some strains are notable for their vitality, so they can maintain their performance in a humid environment. Visiting saunas, swimming pools, baths, sharing personal hygiene items increases the risk of infection, especially if there are invisible microwaves on the skin.
4. Autoinoculation or self-infection can occur if a live virus cell is accidentally moved from a damaged area to healthy parts of the skin during shaving, epilation and simple hygiene.

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

Causes of papillomatosis progression

Regardless of the degree of oncogenicity, HPV is characterized by deception, that is, it is able to live in the human body without appearing 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 the infectious agent in their body.

Rapid reproduction also does not start immediately, but only under favorable conditions, namely a weakening of the defense mechanism against the following factors:

• stress, excessive work;
• poor and monotonous food;
• hormonal imbalance;
• Harmful habits - tobacco smoking and alcohol abuse
• frequent abortions, complications after childbirth;
• inflammatory and infectious diseases of the genitourinary system;
• STIs, including AIDS, HIV, herpes;
• in the acute stage of chronic disease;
• Pregnancy.

The at-risk group is mainly of the fairer sex. The risk of infection increases in reproductive age between the ages of 20 and 45 who are sexually active.

Symptoms at different stages

Human papillomavirus infection can be severe, latent, or subclinical. The symptomatic manifestations of the disease are variable, which is related to the type of HPV, its danger. The latent course of the disease is characterized by the absence of symptoms.

External features:

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

Shapes not visible during external scan:

• disceratosis;
• coilocytosis;
• epithelial dysplasia.

Recurrences against the background of papillomavirus appear as the following pathologies:

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

Important to know!In the case of non-oncogenic virus, warts localized on the palms and soles of the feet are possible. If there is no cosmetic discomfort, there is no indication for removal.

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

More about the consequences

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

Against the background of bacterial vaginosis, the transformation of the cervical epithelium increases, as well as a number of other pathological processes in the body, the risk of developing a pre-cancerous stage or malignancy increases.

The latter includes the following states.

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. It occupies a leading position in the structure of anogenital zone oncopathologies. One in ten cases is provoked by a low oncogenic strain 6 or 11, and a third of all diseases are caused by viruses 16 and 18.
3. Anal cancer. It is mainly found in women, but it is also recorded in homosexual men who practice unconventional sex, although doctors do not rule out another route of transmission. Oncopathology is caused by HPV activity types 18 and 16.

Of course, this is not a judgment, but these data increase the need for careful gynecological and cancer diagnosis. Comprehensive testing allows for the early detection of structural changes in cells and tissues, which in the case of human papillomavirus helps to determine how to treat it properly.

Diagnostic Procedures

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

Modern testing is done very carefully and involves several procedures:

1. The initial consultation includes a visual inspection to identify external signs (warts, papillomas). If growths are 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 infection process. Thus, 1 and 2 degrees indicate the normal state of tissues, 3 - the onset of pathological changes, classes 4 and 5 characterize the presence of oncogenic cells.
3. Colposcopy. This is done in the case of dysplastic changes in the cervical tissue. The acetic acid test is designed to clarify the activity of the papillomavirus. A positive result appears as a mosaic pattern on the surface of the epithelium.
4. Histology. Examination of a sample of affected tissues is performed if it is necessary to examine the cells and the pathological changes taking place in them. During the procedure, you can identify extra large epithelial structures.
5. PCR. The most common and very informative test. With the help of the polymerase chain reaction, it is possible to perform typing, determine the degree of oncogenicity and the maximum concentration in the blood.
6. Digene tests. The modern innovative research method allows to find out the existing results and to determine the probability of the formation of oncology education.

Men use the same diagnostic tactics. After a visual inspection, he is sent for inspections. Only according to the test results is the specialist able to assess the complexity of the clinical case and determine the appropriate treatment.

Treatment approaches

Today, there is no drug that can completely and permanently destroy a viral infection in the body. If self-medication has not occurred, an integrated combined approach is the most promising. Treatment of HPV includes surgical removal of papillomas or warts on the background of systemic therapy with drugs, homeopathic remedies and the folk method. There are several ways to destroy growths.

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

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

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

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

Surgical excision. It is performed extremely rarely, only after indications, if the possibility of the development of oncology is suspected. Cut out the growths with a scalpel.

Systemic treatment of the papillomavirus helps to strengthen the immune system, reduce the blood levels of the agent's DNA and prevent the development of malignancies.

For this purpose, tablets are prescribed:

• immunomodulators;
• antivirals;
• Cytostatic agents.

The duration of treatment is 10-14 days. If you have a regular sexual partner, you need to persuade him or her to get tested and start treatment. You should also not get rid of growths yourself.

Preventive measures

Because the human papilloma virus spreads easily to people of all ages, there is no guaranteed way to protect against it. According to patient reviews, vaccination is a reliable option to prevent infection.

Modern medicine offers special serums as a preventive measure. It is available as a suspension in a disposable syringe, which makes it easier to administer the vaccine and reduces the risk of infection. Girls and boys aged 9-14, as well as young women up to 26 years of age, are subject to immunization. The body tolerates sera well.

Vaccination is for prophylactic purposes and cannot act as a medicine.

To reduce the risk of developing an infection, you should follow simple guidelines.

• personal hygiene should be closely monitored;
• get rid of bad habits;
• strengthen immunity through sports;
• practice only protected sex, avoid casual relationships;
• should be careful about choosing a sexual partner;
• should be checked by a gynecologist, venereologist.

Taking your health seriously will help prevent infection and, if the virus does enter, reduce the chance of it spreading.

Conclusion

HPV is the most common infection that no one can protect against. Preventive measures should be taken to prevent activation of the virus and scheduled examinations and consultations should be performed in a timely manner to reduce the risk of developing oncology.