Detailed characterization of the human papillomavirus

At the beginning of the last century, the human papillomavirus was cited as the cause of the appearance of warts. Later, however, it was discovered 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 were able to isolate different types of HPV and combine them into a given system.

Everything you need to know about the human papillomavirus

More and more people are asking themselves: HPV infection - what is it? This abbreviation denotes a group of viruses that are very widespread and heterogeneous in their DNA structure, capable of infecting skin and mucous membranes. Infection with this substance has been going on for a long time. Therefore, 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 Maria de Aragão (16th century). And it was only at the beginning of the 21st century that it was possible to influence the spread of a disease-causing agent.

Principles of classification

There are several opinions about the number of HPV types. 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 almost 600 types found in humans.

HPV as a single species was first recorded in 1971. So far, knowledge about it has been greatly enriched, which served as an impetus for creating a classification reflecting not only the species, butalso the genus to which the strain belongs. In practice, this is of great importance, as it helps to determine the clinical manifestations and the course of the infection.

Virus types are detected according to the following criteria:

transmission method
• ;
• 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.

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 makes it possible to visually assess the degree of risk and develop an appropriate treatment strategy.

The most dangerous strains

HPV has been proven to cause excessive 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, veruciform dysplasia. But the highly oncogenic pathogen in the vast majority of cases causes the development of oncology in 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 to be 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.
• 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 should not panic, as the most malicious strains can remain in a "dormant" state for a long time. Therefore, it can take decades from infection to the formation of cervical cancer.

Virus penetration into the body

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

The main options for the pathogen to penetrate the "victim" body are as follows:

1. Sexual contact with a virus carrier. The most common method of infection. The danger is represented by both traditional sex and other types. Since the pathogen is much smaller than the diameter of the condom's pores, the contraceptive cannot provide 100% protection.
2. The type of vertical infection involves the transmission of the virus from the mother to the child during labor. A non-cellular agent can cause the appearance of laryngeal papillomatosis in the newborn, that is, the formation of tumors in the mucous membranes of the larynx and mouth, less frequently in the genitals.
3. Contact and home transmission of the infection are also considered common. Some strains are notable for their vitality and 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-damages on the skin.
4. Autoinoculation or autoinfection can occur when a live cell of a virus is accidentally transferred from a damaged area to healthy parts of the skin during shaving, waxing and simply not complying with hygiene rules.

Important to know!The causative agent of high carcinogenic risk is transmitted mainly by sexual contact, and barrier contraceptives do not guarantee complete protection against infections. 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, that is, it is able to live in the human body without manifesting 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 show external signs or even notice the presence of an infectious agent in their body.

Rapid reproduction also does not start immediately, but only under favorable conditions, that is, the weakening of the defense mechanism, which occurs in the context of the following factors:

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

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

Symptoms at different stages

Human papillomavirus infection can be pronounced, 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 common warts;
• genital warts.

Forms not visible during the external exam:

• dyskeratosis;
koilocytosis;
• epithelial dysplasia.

Relapses in the context 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, it is possible to form warts located on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet. In the absence of cosmetic discomfort, there is no indication of removal.

During an exacerbation, the woman develops fever, chills, itching, fever and 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 mutated cellular structures in the genome.

In the context 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. Over 70% of all cases are caused by HPV types 16 and 18 activity.
2. Vaginal and vulvar carcinoma. In the structure of oncopathologies in the anogenital region, it occupies a prominent place. Each tenth case is caused by a 6 or 11 low oncogenic strain, and a third of all diseases are caused by a 16 and 18 virus.
3. Anal cancer. It is detected mainly in women, but it is also registered in homosexual men who practice an unconventional method of sexual intercourse, although doctors do not exclude another transmission route. The cause of oncopathology is HPV types 18 and 16.

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

Diagnostic procedures

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

The modern exam is performed with great care and includes several procedures:

1. The initial consultation includes a visual examination to identify external signs (warts, papillomas). If there are tumors 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. Thus, 1 and 2 degrees indicate the normal state of the tissues, 3 - on the onset of pathological changes, 4 and 5 classes characterize the presence of oncogenic cells.
3. Colposcopy. It is performed in the 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. A study of a sample of the affected tissue is performed 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 an especially large size.
5. PCR. The most common and highly informative test. With the aid 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 test. The modern and innovative research method allows to clarify the existing results and to determine the probability of formation of cancer education.

The same diagnostic tactics are used for men. After a visual examination, it is sent for testing. Only according to the result of the examination, the specialist is able to assess the complexity of the clinical case and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Treatment approaches

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

Radiosurgical. The formation is excised with a special knife, after which coagulation is performed and a dressing is applied.

Laser. Bloodless and painless way. A scab remains at the removal site, under which the healing process occurs. The disadvantage is the appearance of scars.

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

Cryodestruction. Treatment of growths of any type with liquid nitrogen. After freezing, they are rejected by the skin. Affordable price, absence of blood and scars make this method the most attractive.

Surgical excision. It is performed very rarely, only according to the indications in case of suspected oncology development probability. Tumors are excised with a scalpel.

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

Prescribes 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 should persuade him to have an exam and start therapy. You must also not get rid of the growths.

Preventive measures

As the human papillomavirus spreads easily among people of all ages, there is no guaranteed way to protect against its penetration. As evidenced by patient assessments, 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 risks of infection. Girls and boys from 9 to 14 years old, as well as young women up to 26 years old, are subject to immunization. Serums are well tolerated by the body.

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

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

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

Taking your health seriously will help you avoid infections and, if a 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 to reduce the risk of developing oncology, carry out scheduled exams on time and consult specialists.