Detailed characteristics of human papillomavirus

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

Everything you need to know about the human papillomavirus

More and more people are wondering: HPV infection - what is it? This abbreviation means 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 only at the beginning of the XXI century it became possible to influence the spread of the causative agent of the disease.

Classification principles

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

HPV as a separate species was first registered in 1971. To date, knowledge about it has been significantly enriched, which has led to 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 as 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:

• transmission method;
• whole (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.

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 shown to be able to provoke overgrowth of the dermis and lead to the formation of benign formations on the face, neck, back, abdomen, each of which resembles a wart, papilloma, verruciform dysplasia. But the highly oncogenic pathogen in most cases provokes the development of oncology in both men and women. The virus is transmitted mainly through sexual contact and barrier contraceptives are not able to provide 100% 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, as the most malignant strains can be in an "inactive state" for a long time. Therefore, it can take decades from infection to the formation of cervical cancer.

Penetration of the virus into the body

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

The main possibilities for the pathogen to enter the body of the "victim" are the following:

1. Sexual contact with a carrier of the virus. The most common method of infection. The danger is represented by both traditional and other types of intercourse. 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 birth. A non-cellular agent can cause laryngeal papillomatosis in the newborn, ie the formation of growths on the mucous membranes of the larynx and mouth, less commonly on the genitals.
3. Contact and transmission of infection from the household are also considered common. Some strains are characterized by 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 self-infection can occur when a live virus cell is accidentally transferred from a damaged area to healthy parts of the skin during shaving, hair removal 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 location 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 insidiousness, ie it is able to live in the human body without showing it 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 against the background of the following factors:

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

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

Symptoms at different stages

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

External characters:

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

Forms not visible on external view:

• dyskeratosis;
koilocytosis;
• epithelial dysplasia.

Recurrences of papillomavirus occur in the form of the following pathologies:

• dyskeratosis with slight 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 warts located on the palms and soles of the feet is possible. In the absence of cosmetic discomfort, there are no indications for removal.

During exacerbation, the woman develops fever, chills, itching, fever, vaginal discharge.

More about the consequences

The type and severity of HPV infection are 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 a genomic mutation.

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 stage or development of a malignant tumor increases.

The latter include 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. Vaginal and vulvar carcinoma. In the structure of oncopathologies of the anogenital area it occupies a leading place. Every tenth case is provoked by a low oncogenic strain 6 or 11, and one third of all diseases are caused by virus 16 and 18.
3. Anal cancer. It is found mainly in women, but is also registered in homosexual men who practice a non-traditional method of sexual intercourse, 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 connection with these data, the need for in-depth gynecological and cancer diagnostics is increasing. A thorough examination allows early detection of structural changes in cells and tissues, which in the case of human papillomavirus helps to determine how to treat properly.

Diagnostic Procedures

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

The current review is performed 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 will refer 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 the tissues, 3 - for the onset 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 determine the activity of the papilloma virus. A positive result appears as a mosaic on the surface of the epithelium.
4. Histology. Examination of a sample of the affected tissue is performed if it is necessary to examine the cells and the pathological changes occurring in them. During the procedure, you can identify 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, to determine the degree of oncogenicity and the maximum concentration in the blood.
6. Digen test. The modern innovative method of research makes it possible to clarify the existing results and to determine the probability of the formation of oncological education.

The same diagnostic tactics are used in men. After visual inspection, it was sent for testing. Only according to the results of the study the specialist is able to assess the complexity of the clinical case and prescribe adequate treatment.

Treatment approaches

Today there are no drugs that could completely and permanently destroy a viral infection in the body. If self-medication has not occurred, then the most promising is the integrated combined approach. HPV treatment includes surgical removal of papillomas or warts on the background of systemic therapy with drugs, homeopathic remedies and the folk method. 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 applied.

Laser. Bloodless 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 effective impact.

Cryodestruction. Treatment of growths of any kind with liquid nitrogen. After freezing, they are rejected by the skin. Affordable price, lack of blood, scars makes this method the most attractive.

Surgical excision. It is performed very rarely, only on indications in case of doubt about the likelihood of developing oncology. The growths are cut with a scalpel.

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

Prescribes pills for this purpose:

• immunomodulators;
• antivirus tools;
• cytostatics.

The duration of the course of treatment is 10-14 days. If you have a regular sexual partner, you need to convince him to undergo an examination and start therapy. You also do not have to get rid of the growths yourself.

Preventive measures

Because the human papillomavirus spreads easily to people of all ages, there is no guaranteed way to protect against its penetration. As can be seen from patient reviews, vaccination is a reliable way to prevent 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 9-14 years, as well as young women up to 26 years are subject to immunization. Serums are well tolerated by the body.

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

To minimize the risk of developing an infection, you need to follow simple recommendations.

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

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

Conclusion

HPV is the most common infection that no one can prevent. To prevent the activation of the virus, preventive measures should be followed and to reduce the risk of developing oncology, undergo timely examinations and consult specialists.