Detailed characterization of 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 turned out that it can cause the development of genital cancer in both sexes and carcinoma of the throat and rectum. Depending on the spectrum of clinical manifestations, doctors managed to isolate different types of HPV and combine them into a certain system.

Everything you need to know about the human papillomavirus

More and more people are asking: HPV infection - what is it? This abbreviation designates a group of viruses that are widespread and heterogeneous in their DNA structure, capable of infecting the skin and mucous membranes. Infection with this substance has lasted for a long time. Thus, warts have been known since the times of the Greeks and Romans, and warts in the anogenital region even earlier. The PCR method even succeeded in isolating the DNA of HPV type 18 from the mummy of Mary of Aragon (16th century). And it was not until the beginning of the 21st century that it became possible to influence the spread of a pathogen.

Principles of classification

There are several opinions regarding the number of types of HPV. It is officially established that the group includes more than 170 strains. They constitute 5 genera, with about 130 agents described and studied in detail. But scientists already know about 600 types found in humans.

HPV as a single species was first recorded in 1971. To date, knowledge about it has been greatly enriched, which served as the impetus for the creation ofa classification reflecting 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 the infection.

The types of viruses are detected according to the following criteria:

• method of transmission;
• 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 - strains 6, 12, 14, 42-44;
• 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.

The most dangerous strains

HPV has been proven to be able to cause proliferation of the dermis and lead to the formation of benign formations on the face, neck, back, abdomen, each resembling a wart, papilloma, veruciform dysplasia. But the highly oncogenic pathogen in the overwhelming majority of cases causes the development of oncology in both men and women. The virus is transmitted mainly through sexual contact and barrier contraceptives are unable to provide 100% protection against its penetration.

The following strains are considered the most dangerous:

• Condylomatosis (appearance of sharp growths) - 6, 42.
• Small, flat formations that form on the walls of the vagina and cervical canal - 30, 33, 42, 43, 55, 57, 64, 67.
• Carcinoma of the cervix - 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, one should not panic, as the most malicious strains can be in a "dormant" state for a long time. Therefore, it can take decades between infection and the formation of cervical cancer.

Penetration of the virus into the body

Papilloma virus

is ​​considered highly contagious, with each type being transmitted by a specific method.

The main options for the 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 traditional sexual relations and others. Since the pathogen is much smaller than the pore diameter of the condom, the contraceptive cannot provide 100% protection.
2. The vertical type of infection involves the transmission of the virus from mother to child during labor. A non-cellular agent can cause laryngeal papillomatosis in a newborn baby, that is, the formation of growths on the mucous membranes of the larynx and mouth, less often on the genitals.
3. Transmission of infection through contact and at home is also considered common. Some varieties stand out for their vitality, so they can maintain their activity in a humid environment. When visiting saunas, swimming pools, baths, when sharing personal hygiene items, the risk of infection increases, especially if there are invisible microdamages on the skin.
4. Autoinoculation or auto-infection can occur when a living viral cell is accidentally transferred from a damaged area to healthy parts of the skin while shaving, waxing, and simply breaking the rules of'hygiene.

Important to know!The causative agent of the 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 the progression of papillomatosis

Regardless of the degree of oncogenicity, HPV is characterized by its insidious character, that is, 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 to 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 also does not begin immediately, but only under favorable conditions, namely the weakening of the defense mechanism, which occurs against the background of the following factors:

• stress, overwork;
• poor 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 illnesses in the acute stage;
• period of pregnancy.

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

Symptoms at different stages

Infection with human papillomavirus can be severe, latent or subclinical. Symptomatic manifestations of the disease are variable, which is due to the type of HPV, 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 during external examination:

• dyskeratosis;
• coylocytosis;
• epithelial dysplasia.

Relapses against 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 virus of a non-oncogenic nature, the formation of localized warts on the palms, soles of the feet is possible. In the absence of cosmetic discomfort, there is no indication for withdrawal.

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

Learn 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 contributes to an increase in the number of cell structures with genomic mutations.

Against the background of bacterial vaginosis, the transformation of the cervical epithelium, as well as a number of other pathological processes that occur in the body, the risk of a precancerous stage or the development of a tumormalignant increases.

These include the following states.

1. Cancer of the cervix. The second disease after breast cancer in women. Over 70% of all cases are caused by HPV types 16 and 18 activity.
2. Vaginal and vulvar carcinoma. In the structure of oncopathologies of the anogenital zone, it occupies a prominent place. One in ten cases is caused by a weak 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 recorded in gay men who practice an unconventional method of sex, 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 verdict, but in relation to this data, the need for in-depth gynecological and cancer diagnoses is increasing. A comprehensive examination allows early detection of structural changes in cells and tissues, which in the case of human papillomavirus helps determine how to treat it properly.

Diagnostic procedures

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

The modern examination 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 growths are found in the urogenital area, the doctor directs the patient for 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 risks of the infectious process. So, 1 and 2 degrees indicate the normal state of tissues, 3 - on the appearance 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 tissues of the cervix. An acetic acid test is prescribed to clarify the activity of the papilloma virus. A positive result appears as a mosaic pattern on the surface of the epithelium.
4. Histology. The study of a sample of the affected tissue is carried out if it is necessary to study the cells and the pathological changes that occur in them. During the procedure, you can identify epithelial structures of particularly large size.
5. PCR. The most common and 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. Test Digene. The modern innovative research method helps to clarify the existing results and determine the likelihood of formation of oncology education.

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

Treatment approaches

Today there is no medicine that could completely and permanently destroy a viral infection in the body. If self-healing has not occurred, then the most promising is an integrated combination approach. Treatment for HPV involves the surgical removal of papillomas or warts against the background of systemic therapy with drugs, homeopathic remedies and the traditional method. There are several options for the destruction of growths.

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

Laser

. Bloodless and painless manner. A scab remains at the removal site, under which the healing process takes place. The downside 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 growths of any kind with liquid nitrogen. After freezing, they are rejected by the skin. Affordable price, absence of blood, scars make this method the most attractive.

Surgical excision. It is performed extremely rarely, only as indicated in case of suspicion of the likelihood of developing oncology. The growths are excised with a scalpel.

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

Prescribed pills for this purpose:

immunomodulators
• ;
• antiviral agents;
• cytostatics.

The duration of treatment is 10 to 14 days. If you have a permanent sexual partner, you need to persuade him to have an exam and start therapy. You also don't have to get rid of the growths yourself.

Preventive measures

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

Modern medicine offers special serums as a preventive measure. Medicines are produced as a suspension, in disposable syringes, which facilitates administration of the vaccine and minimizes the risk of infection. Girls and boys aged 9 to 14, as well as young women up to 26 years are subject to vaccination. The sera are well tolerated by the body.

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

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

• carefully monitor personal hygiene;
• get rid of bad habits;
• strengthen immunity while playing sports;
• only practice safe sex, avoid casual sex;
• carefully discusses the choice of a sexual partner;
• to be screened by a gynecologist, venereologist.

Taking your health seriously will help you avoid infection, and if a virus does get there, you will reduce your chances of spreading.

Conclusion

HPV is the most common infection that no one can protect themselves against. To avoid the activation of the virus, it is necessary to observe preventive measures and reduce the risk of developing oncology, undergo scheduled examinations in time and consult with specialists.