Detailed characterization of the human papillomavirus

Early in the last century, the human papillomavirus was cited as the cause of warts. But recently it has been shown to trigger the development of genital cancer in both sexes and carcinoma of the throat and rectum. Depending on the spectrum of clinical manifestations, doctors are able to successfully isolate different types of HPV and incorporate them into specific systems.

Everything You Need to Know About the Human Papillomavirus

More and more people are wondering: HPV infection - what is it? This abbreviation denotes a group of viruses that are widespread and heterogeneous in their DNA structure, capable of infecting skin and mucous membranes. This substance infection has been going on for a long time. So, warts have been known since Greek and Roman times, and warts in the anogenital area even earlier. The PCR method even succeeded in isolating HPV DNA type 18 from the mummy of Mary of Aragon (XVI century). And only at the beginning of the XXI century was it possible to influence the spread of disease-causing agents.

Principles of Classification

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

HPV as a single species was first recorded in 1971. To date, knowledge about it has been greatly enriched, serving as a driving force for the creation of a classification that reflects not only the species, but also the genus of the strain. In practice, this is very important, as it helps determine the clinical manifestations and form of the course of the infection.

The type of virus was detected according to the following criteria:

• transmission method;
• target (skin or mucous membranes);
• disease that develops due to infection;
• degree of oncogenicity.

Classification according to the degree of carcinogenicity is necessary to prevent consequences associated with the development of the oncological process.

HPV type:

• 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 level of risk and develop an adequate treatment strategy.

Most dangerous strains

It has been shown that HPV is capable of inducing an overgrowth of the dermis and causing the formation of benign formations on the face, neck, back, stomach, which appear as warts, papillomas, and veruciform dysplasia, respectively. But highly oncogenic pathogens in the majority of cases provoke the development of oncology in both men and women. Transmission of the virus is mainly through sexual contact, and barrier contraception cannot provide 100% protection against penetration.

The following strains are considered the most dangerous:

• Condylomatosis (appearance of spiky growths) - 6, 42.
• Small flat formations that form on the vaginal walls 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 virus type, you don't need to panic, because the most dangerous strains can remain in an "inactive" state for a long time. Therefore, it takes decades from infection to cervical cancer formation.

Virus penetration into the body

Papillomavirus is considered to be highly contagious, with each type transmissible by certain methods.

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

1. Sexual contact with virus carriers. The most common method of infection. Dangers are represented by traditional and other types of relationships. Because the pathogen is much smaller than the pore diameter of a condom, contraception cannot provide 100% protection.
2. This type of vertical infection involves mother-to-child transmission of the virus during labor. Non-cellular agents can cause papillomatosis of the larynx in newborns, that is, the formation of growths on the mucous membrane of the larynx and mouth, less often on the genitals.
3. Contact and household transmission of the infection are also considered common. Some strains are famous for their vitality, so that 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 micro-damage to the skin.
4. Autoinoculation or self-infection can occur when live virus cells inadvertently transfer from damaged areas to healthy areas of skin during shaving, shaving, and non-compliance with hygiene rules.

Important to know!The causative agent at high carcinogenic risk is transmitted primarily through sexual contact, and barrier contraception does 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 by a condom.

Causes of the development of papillomatosis

Regardless of the level of oncogenicity, HPV is characterized by a dangerous trait, that is, it can 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, a person who has no external signs is not even aware of the presence of an infectious agent in his body.

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

• stress, overwork;
• lousy 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 disease in the acute stage;
• the period of pregnancy.

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

Symptoms at different stages

Human papillomavirus infection can be pronounced or latent or subclinical. The manifestation of the symptoms of this disease varies, which is due to the type of HPV, the danger. The course of the latent disease is characterized by the absence of signs.

External tag:

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

The form is not visible during external inspection:

• dyskeratosis;
• coylocytosis;
• epithelial dysplasia.

Relapses against the background of the papilloma virus appear in the following pathology:

• dyseratosis with mild epithelial changes;
• dysplasia itself;
• cancer tumors;
• squamous cell carcinoma.

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

During an exacerbation, a woman has 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 cellular structures with genomic mutations.

Against the background of bacterial vaginosis, 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 malignant tumor 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 the activity of HPV types 16 and 18.
2. Carcinoma of the vagina and vulva. In the oncopathological structure of the anogenital area, it occupies a leading place. Every tenth case is triggered by low oncogenic strains 6 or 11, and a third of all diseases are caused by viruses 16 and 18.
3. Anal cancer. This was detected mainly in women, but was also recorded in homosexual men who practice unconventional methods of sexual intercourse, although doctors do not exclude other routes of transmission. The oncopathological cause is the activity of HPV types 18 and 16.

Of course, this is not a verdict, but in connection with this data, the need for a comprehensive gynecological and cancer diagnosis is increasing. Comprehensive examination allows early detection of structural changes in cells and tissues, which, in the case of the human papillomavirus, helps determine how to treat them correctly.

Diagnostic procedure

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

Modern checks are carried out with great care and include several procedures:

1. The initial consultation includes a visual examination to detect external signs (warts, papillomas). If a growth is found in the urogenital area, the doctor directs the patient for additional examinations of the cervix or ureteroscopy.
2. PAP test or Pap smear cytology. Based on the results divided into several classes, the doctor determines the risk of the infection process. So grades 1 and 2 indicate the normal state of the tissue, 3 - about the occurrence of pathological changes, grades 4 and 5 characterize the presence of oncogenic cells.
3. Colposcopy. This is done in case of dysplastic changes in cervical tissue. Acetic acid test is prescribed to clarify the activity of the papilloma virus. A positive result appears as a mosaic pattern on the epithelial surface.
4. Histology. Study of a sample of the affected tissue is carried out if necessary to study the cells and the pathological changes that occur in them. During the procedure, you can identify epithelial structures of very large size.
5. PCR. The most common and very informative test. With the help of the polymerase chain reaction, it is possible to carry out typing, determine the degree of oncogenicity and the maximum concentration in the blood.
6. Digene test. Modern innovative research methods make it possible to clarify the existing results and determine the possible formation of an oncology education.

The same diagnostic tactic is used for men. After a visual examination, he was sent for tests. Only on the basis of the results of the examination, the specialist can assess the complexity of the clinical case and prescribe an adequate treatment.

Maintenance Approach

There is currently no drug that can completely and permanently destroy viral infections in the body. If self-healing has not yet occurred, then the most promising is an integrated combined approach. Treatment of HPV involves surgical removal of papillomas or warts against a background of systemic therapy with medicines, homeopathic remedies, and traditional methods. There are several options for destroying growth.

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

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

Electrocoagulation. This procedure is largely similar to the previous two procedures in terms of efficiency, cost and effective impact.

Cryodestruction. Treatment of any growth with liquid nitrogen. After being frozen, they are repelled by the skin. Affordable price, no blood, and scarring make this method most attractive.

Surgical excision. This is done very rarely, only according to the indications if there is a suspicion of a possible development of oncology. The growth is cut with a scalpel.

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

Prescribe pills for this purpose:

• immunomodulators;
• antivirus agent;
• sitostatika.

The duration of treatment is 10-14 days. If you have a regular sexual partner, you should persuade him to undergo testing and start therapy. You also don't have to get rid of the growth yourself.

Precautions

Because the human papillomavirus spreads so easily between people of all ages, there is no guaranteed way to protect against penetration of the virus. As evidenced by patient reviews, vaccination is a reliable option for preventing infection.

Modern medicine offers special serums as a preventive measure. Medicines are produced in the form of a suspension, in a single-use syringe, which makes vaccine administration easier and minimizes the risk of infection. Girls and boys 9-14 years old, as well as young women up to 26 years old should be immunized. The serum is well tolerated by the body.

Vaccinations are carried out for prophylactic purposes and cannot act as a drug.

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

• carefully monitors personal hygiene;
• get rid of bad habits;
• strengthens immunity through exercise;
• practice only protected sex, avoid casual intercourse;
• carefully approaches sexual partner choice;
• for screening by gynecologist, venereologist.

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

Conclusion

HPV is the most common infection that no one can protect against. In order to prevent viral activation, precautions must be followed, and to reduce the risk of developing oncology, undergo a timely scheduled examination and consult a specialist.