Detailed characterization of human papilloma virus

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

Everything you need to know about human papilloma virus

More and more people are asking: HPV infection - what is it? This abbreviation denotes 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 been going on for a long time. Thus, warts have been known since the time of the Greeks and Romans, and warts in the anogenital area 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.

Principles of classification

There are several opinions regarding the number of types of HPV. It has been officially determined that the group includes more than 170 strains. They consist of 5 genera, with about 130 resources described and studied in detail. But scientists already know nearly 600 species found in humans.

HPV as a single species was first recorded in 1971. To date, knowledge about it has been significantly enriched, which has served as an impetus for the creation of 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 form of the course of the infection.

Virus types are detected according to the following criteria:

• transfer mode;
• 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 prevent the consequences associated with the development of oncological processes.

HPV types:

• 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 shown to be able to cause the growth of the dermis and lead to the formation of benign formations on the face, neck, back, abdomen, each of which looks like a wart, papilloma, verruciform 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 transmitted primarily through sexual contact, and barrier contraceptives are not able to provide one hundred percent protection against its penetration.

The following strains are considered the most dangerous:

• Condylomatosis (appearance of pointed 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.
• Cervical cancer - 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 should not panic, because the most malicious strains can be in an "inactive" state for a long time. Therefore, it can take decades from infection to cervical cancer.

Virus penetration into the body

Papilloma virus is considered highly contagious, with each species being transmitted by a specific method.

The main possibilities for the penetration of pathogens into the body of the "victim" are the following:

1. Sexual contact with a virus carrier. The most common mode of infection. Both traditional and other types of relationships are dangerous. Because 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 childbirth. A non-cellular agent can cause laryngeal papillomatosis in newborns, ie the formation of growths on the mucous membrane of the larynx and mouth, less often on the genitals.
3. Transmission of the infection by contact and household is also considered common. Some strains are noted for their vitality, so they can retain activity in a humid environment. When visiting saunas, swimming pools, baths, when sharing personal hygiene items, the risk of infection increases, especially if there is invisible micro damage on the skin.
4. Autoinoculation or self-infection can occur when a live virus cell is accidentally transmitted from a damaged area to healthy parts of the skin during shaving, epilation, and simply not following hygiene rules.

Important to know!The causative agent of 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 that is not covered by a condom.

Causes of papillomatosis progression

Regardless of the degree of oncogenicity, HPV is characterized by insidiousness, ie 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 2-3 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 playback also does not start immediately, but only under favorable conditions, namely the weakening of the defense mechanism, which occurs in the background of the following factors:

• stress, overwork;
• poor and monotonous food;
• hormonal imbalance;
• bad habits - smoking tobacco and alcohol abuse;
• frequent miscarriages, complications after childbirth;
• inflammatory and infectious diseases of the genitourinary system;
STIs, including AIDS, HIV, herpes;
• chronic diseases in the acute phase;
• pregnancy period.

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

Symptoms in different stages

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

External characters:

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

Forms not visible during external review:

• dyskeratosis;
koylocytosis;
• epithelial dysplasia.

Relapses on the background of papilloma virus 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 non-oncogenic viruses, it is possible to create warts localized on the palms, soles. In the absence of cosmetic discomfort, there is no indication for removal.

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

Learn more about the consequences

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

In 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 precancerous phase or development of malignant tumor increases.

The latter include the following states.

1. Cervical cancer. Another disease after breast cancer in women. More than 70% of all cases are caused by the activity of HPV types 16 and 18.
2. Cancer of the vagina and vulva. In the structure, oncopathology of the anogenital area occupies a leading place. Every tenth case is caused 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 found mainly in women, but is also recorded in homosexual men who practice the unconventional method of intercourse, although doctors do not rule out a second 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 connection with this data, the need for a thorough gynecological diagnosis and cancer is increasing. A comprehensive examination enables early detection of structural changes in cells and tissues, which in the case of human papilloma virus helps to determine the way of proper treatment.

Diagnostic Procedures

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

The modern review is conducted with great care and includes several procedures:

1. The initial consultation includes a visual examination to determine external signs (warts, papillomas). If growths are found in the urogenital area, the doctor directs the patient to an additional cervical examination or ureteroscopy.
2. Pap test or Pap test cytology. Based on the results divided into classes, the doctor determines the risks of the infectious process. Thus, grades 1 and 2 indicate a normal tissue condition, grades 3 - around the onset of pathological changes, grades 4 and 5 characterize the presence of oncogenic cells.
3. Colposcopy. It is performed in case of dysplastic changes in the tissues of the cervix. The 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. Examination of the affected tissue sample is performed if it is necessary to study the cells and the pathological changes that occur in them. During the procedure, you can recognize epithelial structures of particularly large size.
5. PCR. The most common and highly 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's test. The modern innovative research method enables the clarification of the existing results and the determination of the probability of the formation of oncology education.

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

Approaches to treatment

Today, there are no drugs that can completely and permanently destroy a viral infection in the body. If self-healing has not occurred, then an integrated combined approach is most promising. HPV treatment includes surgical removal of papillomas or warts in the background of systemic therapy with drugs, homeopathic remedies and folk methods. There are several options for destroying growths.

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

Laser. Bloodless and painless. 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 effective performance.

Cryodestruction. Treatment of growths of any kind with liquid nitrogen. After freezing, the skin rejects them. Affordable price, absence of blood and scars make this method the most attractive.

Surgical excision. It is extremely rare, only according to the indications in case of doubt in the probability of the development of oncology. The growths are cut with a scalpel.

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

Prescribes tablets for this purpose:

• immunomodulators;
• antivirus tools;
• cytostatics.

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

Preventive measures

Because the human papilloma virus is easily spread among people of all ages, there is no guaranteed way to protect against its penetration. As patient examinations show, vaccination is a reliable option for preventing infection.

Modern medicine offers special serums as a preventive measure. The drugs are produced in the form of a suspension, in disposable syringes, which facilitates the 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, are subject to immunization. The body tolerates serums well.

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

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

• carefully monitor personal hygiene;
• get rid of bad habits;
• strengthening immunity by playing sports;
• practice only protected sex, avoid casual relationships;
• approach the choice of sexual partner carefully;
• to be examined by a gynecologist, venereologist.

A serious understanding of health will help you avoid infection, and if the virus enters, you will reduce the likelihood of it spreading.

Conclusion

HPV is the most common infection that no one can protect against. To prevent the activation of the virus, preventive measures must be followed, and in order to reduce the risk of developing oncology, undergo scheduled examinations in a timely manner and consult with experts.