Detailed characterization of the human papillomavirus

At the beginning of the last century, the human papillomavirus was mentioned as the cause of the appearance of warts. But later it turned out that 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 managed to isolate different types of HPV and combine them into a certain system.

Everything You Need to Know About 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 the skin and mucous membranes. Infection with this substance has been going on for a long time. So, warts have been known since the time of the Greeks and Romans, and the warts of the anogenital area even earlier. The PCR method even succeeded in isolating type 18 HPV DNA from the mummy of Mary of Aragon (XVI century). And only at the beginning of the XXI century did it become possible to influence the spread of a disease-causing agent.

Principles of Classification

There are several opinions regarding 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. To date, knowledge about it has been greatly enriched, which served as the impetus for the creation of a classification reflecting 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;
• 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 in order 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

It has been proven that HPV is capable of provoking an overgrowth 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 overwhelming 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 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 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, since the most malicious strains can be in a "dormant" 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

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

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

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. Since the pathogen is much smaller than the pore diameter of the condom, the contraceptive cannot provide 100% protection.
2. Vertical type of infection involves the transmission of the virus by the mother to the child during labor. A non-cellular agent can cause laryngeal papillomatosis in a newborn, that is, the formation of growths on the mucous membranes of the larynx and mouth, less often on the genitals.
3. Contact and household transmission of infection is also considered common. Some strains are notable for their vitality, so they can retain their activity in a humid environment. When visiting saunas, swimming pools, baths, when sharing personal hygiene items, the risk of infection grows, especially if there are invisible microdamages on the skin.
4. Autoinoculation or self-infection can occur when a living virus cell is accidentally transferred from a damaged area to healthy parts of the skin during shaving, epilation and simply non-compliance with 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, 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 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 do not have external signs are not even aware of the presence of an infectious agent in their body.

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

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

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

Symptoms at different stages

Human papillomavirus infection can be pronounced or latent or subclinical. The 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 vulgar warts;
• genital warts.

Forms not visible during external examination:

• dyskeratosis;
• coylocytosis;
• epithelial dysplasia.

Relapses against the background 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, the formation of warts localized on the palms, soles of the feet is possible. In the absence of cosmetic discomfort, there is no indication for removal.

During an exacerbation, a woman develops fever, chills, itching, fever, vaginal discharge.

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 a genome 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 a precancerous stage or the 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 a third of all diseases are caused by a virus 16 and 18.
3. Anal cancer. It is detected mainly in women, but it is also recorded in homosexual men who practice an unconventional method of intercourse, although doctors do not exclude 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 thorough gynecological and cancer diagnostics 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 the defeat of the body with HPV infection.

Modern examination is carried out 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 directs the patient for an 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 risks of the infectious process. So 1 and 2 degrees indicate the normal state of tissues, 3 - about the beginning of pathological changes, 4 and 5 class characterizes the presence of oncogenic cells.
3. Colposcopy. It is carried out in the case of dysplastic changes in the tissues of the cervix. 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. The study of a sample of the affected tissue is performed if it is necessary to study the cells and the pathological changes occurring 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 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 test. The modern innovative method of research makes it possible to clarify the existing results and determine the likelihood of the formation of oncological education.

The same diagnostic tactics are used for men. After a visual examination, he is sent for tests. Only according to the results of the examination, 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-healing has not occurred, then the most promising is an integrated combined approach. HPV treatment involves the surgical removal of papillomas or warts against the background of systemic therapy with medicines, homeopathic remedies, and the folk method. There are several options for the destruction of growths.

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

Laser. Bloodless and painless way. A 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, absence of blood, scarring makes this method the most attractive.

Surgical excision. It is carried out extremely rarely, only according to indications in case of suspicion of the likelihood of developing oncology. The growths 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 the course of treatment is 10-14 days. If you have a permanent sexual partner, you must persuade him to undergo examination and start therapy. You should also not get rid of the growths yourself.

Preventive measures

Since the human papillomavirus spreads easily among people of all ages, there is no guaranteed way to protect against its penetration. As evidenced by the reviews of patients, 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 9-14 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 carried out for prophylactic purposes and cannot act as a medicine.

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

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

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

Conclusion

HPV is the most common infection that no one can protect against. To prevent the activation of the virus, it is necessary to observe preventive measures, and to reduce the risk of developing oncology, undergo scheduled examinations on time and consult with specialists.