Detailed characterization of the human papillomavirus

At the beginning of the last century, the human papillomavirus was named as the cause of the appearance of warts. However, it later found out that it can provoke the development of genital cancer in both sex 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 specific system.

Everything you need to know about the human papillomavirus

More and more people are asking themselves: HPV infection - what is it? This abbreviation refers to a group of viruses that are widespread and heterogeneous in their DNA structure and can infect the skin and mucous membranes. The 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 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 (16th century). And it was only at the beginning of the 21st century that it became possible to influence the spread of a pathogen.

Classification principles

There are different opinions about the number of HPV types. It is officially stated that the group includes more than 170 tribes. They represent 5 genera, with about 130 active ingredients being described and examined in detail. But scientists already know almost 600 species that occur in humans.

Classification of the human papillomavirus

HPV as a single species was first recorded in 1971. So far, knowledge has been greatly enriched, which served as the impetus for creating a classification that reflects not only the species, but also the genus to which the tribe 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 recognized according to the following criteria:

  • transmission method;
  • targets (skin or mucous membranes);
  • diseases that develop as a result of infection;
  • Degree of oncogenicity.

A classification according to the degree of carcinogenicity is necessary in order to avoid 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 level of risk and develop an appropriate treatment strategy.

The most dangerous tribes

It has been shown that HPV can cause dermis overgrowth and lead to the formation of benign formations on the face, neck, back, and stomach, each of which looks like a wart, papilloma, or verukiform dysplasia. But the strong oncogenic pathogen in the vast majority of cases provokes the development of oncology in both men and women. The virus is mainly transmitted through sexual contact and barrier contraceptives cannot provide 100% protection against its entry.

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 Cancer - 31, 35, 39, 54, 66. HPV types 16 and 18 are considered the most dangerous.

Important to know!Even after identifying the virus type, do not panic as the most malicious strains can be in a "dormant" state for a long time. Therefore, it can take decades from infection to cervical cancer formation.

Entry of the virus into the body

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

The main options for the pathogen to enter the victim's body are:

  1. Sexual contact with a carrier of the virus. The most common method of infection. The danger is presented by both traditional and other types of traffic. Since the pathogen is much smaller than the pore diameter of the condom, the contraceptive cannot offer 100% protection.
  2. In the vertical type of infection, the virus is transmitted from mother to 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 transmission of infections in the household are also considered common. Some strains are distinguished by their vitality, which allows them to maintain their activity in a moist environment. When visiting saunas, swimming pools, baths and sharing personal hygiene items, the risk of infection increases, especially when invisible micro-damage occurs on the skin.
  4. Autoinoculation or self-infection can occur when a live virus cell is accidentally transferred from a damaged area to healthy areas of skin during shaving, epilation, and simply non-compliance with hygiene regulations.

Important to know!The high risk carcinogen is mainly transmitted 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 the progression of papillomatosis

Regardless of the degree of oncogenicity, HPV is characterized by deceit, meaning that 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 range 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.

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

  • Stress, overwork;
  • bad 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 mainly consists of the fairer sex. People of childbearing age between 20 and 45 who are sexually active are more likely to get infected.

Symptoms in different stages

Human papillomavirus infection can be pronounced or latent or subclinical. The symptomatic manifestations of the disease are different, which is due to the nature of the HPV and 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 that are not visible during the external investigation:

  • dyskeratosis;
  • coylocytosis;
  • epithelial dysplasia.

Relapses against the background of the papillomavirus occur in the form of the following pathologies:

  • Dyskeratosis with slight epithelial changes;
  • dysplasia itself;
  • cancerous tumor;
  • squamous cell carcinoma.

Important to know!With a non-oncogenic virus, warts can develop on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. If there are no cosmetic complaints, there is no evidence of removal.

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

More about the consequences

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

Against the background of bacterial vaginosis, the transformation of the cervical epithelium, as well as a number of other pathological processes 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 mildly oncogenic strain 6 or 11, and a third of all diseases are caused by a virus 16 and 18.
  3. anal cancer. It is found mainly in women, but also in homosexual men who practice an unconventional method of 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 judgment, but in connection with these data there is a growing need for thorough gynecological and cancer diagnostics. A comprehensive examination enables the early detection of structural changes in cells and tissues which, in the case of the human papillomavirus, help determine the correct treatment.

Diagnostic method

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

The modern test is carried out with great care and comprises several procedures:

Methods of diagnosis of human papillomavirus
  1. The first consultation includes a visual examination to identify any external signs (warts, papillomas). If growths are found in the genitourinary area, the doctor instructs the patient to additionally examine the cervix or to do a ureteroscopy.
  2. PAP test or Pap smear cytology. Based on the results, which are divided into classes, the doctor determines the risks of the infection process. So 1 and 2 degrees indicate the normal condition of the tissue, 3 - about the onset of pathological changes, 4 and 5 classes characterize the presence of oncogenic cells.
  3. colposcopy. It is carried out with dysplastic changes in the tissues of the cervix. An acetic acid test is prescribed to clarify the activity of the papillomavirus. A positive result appears as a mosaic pattern on the surface of the epithelium.
  4. histology. Examination of a sample of the affected tissue is carried out when it is necessary to examine the cells and the pathological changes that occur in them. During the procedure, you can identify particularly large epithelial structures.
  5. PCR. The most common and 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. Digen test. Modern innovative research method makes it possible to clarify the existing results and determine the likelihood of the formation of an oncological education.

The same diagnostic tactic is used for men. After a visual inspection, he is sent for tests. Only according to the results of the examination, the specialist can assess the complexity of the clinical case and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Treatment approaches

Today there are no drugs that can completely and permanently destroy a viral infection in the body. When self-healing has not occurred, an integrated combined approach is most promising. HPV treatment involves the surgical removal of papillomas or warts against the background of systemic therapy using medicinal products, homeopathic agents and the folk method. There are several ways to destroy the growth.

Radiosurgery. The formation is cut out with a special knife, after which coagulation is carried out and a bandage is applied.

laser. Bloodless and painless way. A crust remains at the removal site, 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 sloughed off the skin. Affordable price, absence of blood, scars make this method the most attractive.

Surgical removal. It is performed extremely rarely, only according to indications when there is a suspicion of the likelihood of developing oncology. The growths are cut out with a scalpel.

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

Prescribes pills for this purpose:

  • immunomodulators;
  • antivirals;
  • cytostatics.

The duration of treatment is 10-14 days. If you have a constant sexual partner, you need to persuade him to undergo an examination and start therapy. You shouldn't get rid of the growths yourself, either.

Preventive measures

Because the human papillomavirus spreads easily among people of all ages, there is no guaranteed way to protect it from invading it. As can be seen from patient reviews, vaccination is a reliable option for the prevention of infection.

Prevention of human papillomavirus

Modern medicine offers special serums as a preventive measure. The drugs are made in the form of a suspension in disposable syringes, which makes it easier to give the vaccine and minimizes the risk of infection. Girls and boys between the ages of 9 and 14 and young women up to 26 years are immunized. Serums are well tolerated by the body.

The vaccination is carried out for prophylactic purposes and cannot act as a medicinal product.

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

  • carefully monitors personal hygiene;
  • getting rid of bad habits;
  • strengthens immunity through exercise;
  • only practice protected sex, avoid informal relationships;
  • carefully approach the choice of a sexual partner;
  • is ​​examined by a gynecologist or venereologist.

If you take your health seriously, you can avoid infection. When a virus gets in, you reduce the chances of it spreading.

Conclusion

HPV is the most common infection that no one can protect against. In order to prevent the activation of the virus, it is necessary to take preventive measures, and to reduce the risk of developing oncology, it is advisable to undergo scheduled examinations and consult professionals in a timely manner.