Detailed characterization of human papillomavirus

At the beginning of the last century, the human papillomavirus virus was cited as the cause of warts. But then it turns out it can provoke the development of genital cancer in both sexes and carcinoma of the throat and rectum. Depending on the spectrum of clinical manifestations, doctors successfully isolate different types of HPV and combine them into specific systems.

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 spread and heterogeneous in their DNA structure, which are capable of infecting the skin and mucous membranes. Infection with this material has been around for a long time. Thus, warts have been known since Greek and Roman times, and warts from anogenital areas earlier. The PCR method even successfully isolated type 18 HPV DNA from Mary of Aragon (16th century) mummies. And it was only at the beginning of the XXI century that it became possible to influence the spread of disease-causing agents.

Classification Principles

There are several opinions on the number of HPV types. Officially, this group includes more than 170 strains. They consist of 5 genera, with about 130 agents explained and studied in detail. But scientists already know almost 600 species found in humans.

HPV as a single species was first recorded in 1971. To date, knowledge of it has been greatly enriched, prompting to create a classification that reflects not only the species, but also the genus to which the strains belong. In practice, this is very important, as it can determine the clinical manifestations and forms of infection.

Virus types are detected according to the following criteria:

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

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

HPV type:

• low risk - pressure 6, 12, 14, 42-44;
• moderate 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.

The most dangerous strains

It has been proven that HPV can provoke excessive dermis growth and lead to the formation of benign formations on the face, neck, back, abdomen, each of which looks like warts, papillomas, veruciform dysplasia. But highly oncogenic pathogens in a large number of cases provoke the development of oncology in both men and women. The virus is spread mainly through sexual intercourse, and the contraceptive barrier cannot provide 100% protection against its penetration.

The following strains are considered the most dangerous:

• Condylomatosis (pointed growth appearance) - 6, 42.
• Small flat formations formed in the walls of the vaginal and cervical canals - 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 do not have to panic, because the most dangerous strains can be in a state of "inactivity" for a long time. Therefore, it takes decades from infection to the formation of cervical cancer.

Penetration of the virus into the body

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

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

1. Sexual intercourse with a virus carrier. The most common method of infection. The danger is indicated by traditional sexual intercourse and other types. Because the pathogen is much smaller than the pore diameter of the condom, contraceptives cannot provide 100% protection.
2. This type of vertical infection involves the transmission of the virus by the mother to the child during childbirth. Non-cellular agents can cause laryngeal papillomatosis in newborns, i. e. the formation of growths on the mucous membranes of the larynx and mouth, more rarely in the genitals.
3. The spread of infection and household relationships is also considered normal. Some tensions are notorious for their vitality, so they can maintain their activities in humid environments. When visiting saunas, swimming pools, baths, when sharing personal hygiene items, the risk of infection increases, especially if there is micro damage to the skin.
4. Autoinoculation or self-infection can occur when live virus cells are accidentally transferred from a damaged area to healthy skin during shaving, epilation and simply do not adhere to hygiene rules.

Important to know!High carcinogenic risk-causing agents are spread primarily through sexual intercourse, and barrier contraceptives do not guarantee complete protection against infection. This is not only due 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 the development of papillomatosis

Regardless of the degree of oncogenicity, HPV is characterized by an inadvertent attitude, 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 decades. Therefore, people who do not have external signs do not even realize the presence of infectious agents in their body.

Rapid breeding will also not start immediately, but only in good condition, namely the weakness of the defense mechanism, which occurs on the background of the following factors:

• stress, overwork;
• bad and monotonous food;
• hormonal imbalance;
• bad habits - tobacco smoking and alcohol abuse;
• frequent abortions, postpartum complications;
• inflammatory and infectious diseases of the genitourinary system;
• IMS, including AIDS, HIV, herpes;
• chronic disease in the acute stage;
• gestation period.

The risk group mainly consists of the fairer sex. The likelihood of infection increases in people aged 20-45 years of reproduction, who are sexually active.

Symptoms at different levels

Human papillomavirus virus infection can be pronounced or latent or subclinical. The symptomatic manifestations of this disease are variable, which is caused by the type of HPV, the danger. The latent course of the disease is characterized by the absence of signs.

External signs:

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

Form not visible during external inspection:

• diskeratosis;
• koylositosis;
• epithelial dysplasia.

Relapses with papillomavirus background appear in the following pathological forms:

• disceratosis with mild epithelial changes;
• dysplasia itself;
• cancer tumor;
• squamous cell carcinoma.

Important to know!If there is a virus that is not oncogenic, the formation of localized warts on the palms, soles of the feet is possible. If there is no discomfort in the cosmetics, there is no indication to remove.

During exacerbations, a woman experiences fever, chills, itching, fever, vaginal discharge.

More about the consequences

The type and severity of HPV infection is determined by the pathogen activity and its type. When genotypes are affected by high oncogenic risk, prolonged replication contributes to an increase in the number of cell structures with genome mutations.

Against the background of bacterial vaginosis, transformation of the cervical epithelium, as well as a number of other pathological processes occurring in the body, the risk of precancerous or malignant tumor development increases.

The latter covers the following situations.

1. Cervical cancer. The second disease after breast cancer in women. More than 70% of cases are due to HPV activity types 16 and 18.
2. Vaginal and vulva carcinoma. In the oncopathological structure of the anogenital region, it occupies a prominent place. Every tenth case 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 detected mainly in women, but is also noted in homosexual men who practice unconventional methods of intercourse, although doctors do not exclude other means of transmission. The oncopathological causes are type 18 and 16 HPV activity.

Of course, this is not a decision, but in light of this data, the need for gynecological and cancer diagnostics is increasing. Comprehensive examination allows early detection of structural changes in cells and tissues, which, in the case of human papillomavirus, helps determine how to treat them properly.

Diagnostic procedure

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

Modern examinations are done carefully and include several procedures:

1. Preliminary consultation includes visual examination to identify external signs (warts, papillomas). If there is growth in the urogenital area, the doctor instructs the patient for additional 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 risk of the infectious process. Thus, grades 1 and 2 indicate the normal state of the tissue, 3 - on the onset of pathological changes, grades 4 and 5 characterize the presence of oncogenic cells.
3. Colposcopy. It is performed in the case of dysplastic changes in cervical tissue. Acetic acid tests are prescribed to clarify the activity of the papilloma virus. Positive results appear as mosaic patterns on the surface of the epithelium.
4. Histology. Studies on samples of affected tissues are performed if necessary to study the cells and pathological changes that occur within them. During the procedure, you can identify the epithelial structure with a very large size.
5. PCR. The most common and very informative test. With the help of a polymerase chain reaction, it is possible to perform typing, determine the degree of oncogenicity, and maximum concentration in the blood.
6. Digene Exam. Modern innovative research methods make it possible to explain the available results and determine the possible formation of oncology education.

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

Treatment Approach

Today there is no cure that can completely eradicate viral infections and stay in the body. If self-healing does not occur, then the most promising is an integrated combined approach. HPV treatment involves surgery to remove the papilloma or warts on the background of systemic therapy with medications, homeopathic remedies, and folk remedies. There are several options for the destruction of growth.

Radiosurgical. The formation is cut with a special knife, after which the freezing is done and the bandage is applied.

Laser. No bleeding and no pain. The crust remains at the site of removal, where the healing process takes place. The disadvantage is the appearance of scars.

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

Cryodestruction Destruction. Treatment of growth of any kind with liquid nitrogen. After freezing, they are pushed by the skin. Reasonable prices, the absence of blood, scars make this method the most attractive.

Surgical surgery. It is very rare, only based on clues if there is a suspicion of possible oncology. The growth is cut with a scalpel.

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

Prescribing pills for this purpose:

• immunomodulator;
• antivirus agent;
• cytostatic.

The duration of treatment is 10-14 days. If you have a regular sexual partner, you must persuade her to undergo an examination and start therapy. You also can’t get rid of your own growth.

Precautions

Because the human papillomavirus virus spreads easily among people of all ages, there is no guaranteed way to protect it from penetration. As evidenced by patient surveys, vaccination is a reliable option to prevent infection.

Modern medicine offers special serums as a preventative measure. The drug is produced in the form of a suspension, in a disposable syringe, which facilitates vaccination and minimizes the risk of infection. Girls and boys aged 9-14 years, as well as young women up to 26 years old are immunized. Serum can be well received by the body.

Vaccination is done for prophylactic purposes and should not act as a drug.

To reduce the risk of infection, you must adhere to simple recommendations.

• monitor personal hygiene carefully;
• get rid of bad habits;
• strengthens immunity by playing sports;
• practice protected sex, avoid casual relationships;
• approach sexual partner choices carefully;
• to be screened by a gynecologist, a venereologist.

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

Conclusion

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