Detailed characterization of human papillomavirus

At the beginning of the last century, human papillomavirus was mentioned as the cause of warts. But it was later found that it could trigger the development of sexually transmitted cancer in both sexes, as well as carcinoma of the throat and rectum. Depending on the spectrum of clinical manifestations, physicians have been able to differentiate between different types of HPV and combine them into a particular system.

Everything you need to know about the human papillomavirus

More and more people are wondering: HPV infection - what is it? This abbreviation refers to a group of viruses that are prevalent and heterogeneous in their DNA structure and are capable of infecting the skin and mucous membranes. Infection with this substance takes a long time. So warts have been known since the time of the Greeks and Romans, and warts of the anogenital area even earlier. The PCR method was still able to isolate type 18 HPV DNA from the mummy of Mary of Aragon (16th century). And only in the XXI. At the beginning of the century, it became possible to influence the spread of disease-causing agents.

Classification Principles

There are many opinions about the number of HPV types. It has been officially established that more than 170 strains belong to the group. They form 5 genera, describe and study in detail about 130 active ingredients. But scientists are already familiar with the type found in nearly 600 people.

HPV was first registered as a single species in 1971. To this day, knowledge of him has been greatly enriched, giving impetus to the creation of 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 form of the infection.

Virus types are detected based on the following criteria:

• transmission method;
• targets (skin or mucous membranes);
diseases caused by
• infection;
• degree of oncogenicity.

Classification according to the degree of carcinogenicity is necessary to prevent the consequences of the development of oncological processes.

HPV types:

• low risk - 6, 12, 14, 42-44. tribe;
• medium risk - types 31, 35, 51;
• High Risk - 16, 18, 45, 56, 58, 59.

This classification allows a visual assessment of the degree of risk and the development of an appropriate management strategy.

The most dangerous strains

HPV has been shown to be able to induce dermal overgrowth and lead to the development of benign formations on the face, neck, back, abdomen, all of which appear to be warts, papillomas, veruciform dysplasia. But the highly oncogenic pathogen provokes the development of oncology in both men and women in the vast majority of cases. The virus is spread primarily through sexual contact, and contraceptive contraceptives are unable to provide 100% protection against intrusion.

The following strains are considered the most dangerous:

• Condylomatosis (appearance of pointed growths) - 6, 42.
• Small flat formations on the vaginal and cervical canal walls - 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, don't panic, as most malicious strains can be in a "dormant" state for a long time. Therefore, it can take decades from infection to cervical cancer.

Virus entering the body

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

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

1. Sexual contact with the virus carrier. 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 is unable to provide 100% protection.
2. Vertical-type infection involves the transmission of the virus by the mother to the child during labor. The non-cellular agent may cause laryngeal papillomatosis in the neonate, i. e. , growths may form on the lining of the larynx and mouth, less commonly on the genitals.
3. Contact and transmission of infection in the household are also often considered. Some strains are remarkable for their vitality, so they can remain active even in humid environments. When visiting saunas, swimming pools, spas, sharing personal hygiene items, the risk of infection increases, especially if there is invisible micro-damage to the skin.
4. Autoinoculation or self-infection can occur when a live virus cell is accidentally transferred from an injured area to healthy parts of the skin during shaving, epilation, and simply not following hygiene rules.

Important to know!A pathogen with a high carcinogenic risk is spread primarily through sexual contact, and contraceptive 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 by a condom.

Causes of papillomatosis progression

Regardless of the degree of oncogenicity, HPV is characterized by insomnia, meaning it is able to live in the human body without showing itself in any way. The incubation period can range from 2-3 weeks to several decades, depending on the state of the immune system. 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 start immediately, only under favorable conditions, namely by weakening the defense mechanism, which occurs due to the following factors:

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

The risk group consists mainly of the better sex. The likelihood of infection increases in reproductive age 20-45 years 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 and risk of HPV. The latent course of the disease is characterized by a lack of signs.

External signs:

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

Forms not visible during the external scan:

• dyskeratosis;
• coilocytosis;
• epithelial dysplasia.

Relapses occur in the background of papillomavirus 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 non-oncogenic virus, warts localized on the palms and soles of the feet are possible. In the absence of cosmetic discomfort, there is no indication of removal.

During exacerbation, the woman receives febrile, chills, itchy, febrile, vaginal discharge.

Learn more about the consequences

The type and severity of HPV infection is determined by the activity and type of the pathogen. If the genotype is at high oncogenic risk, prolonged replication contributes to an increase in the number of cellular structures with genomic mutations.

In the background of bacterial vaginosis, there is an increased risk of cervical transformation, as well as many other pathological processes in the body, the precancerous stage, or the development of a malignancy.

The latter contains the following states.

1. Cervical cancer. The second disease after breast cancer in women. More than 70% of cases are caused by HPV activity types 16 and 18.
2. Vaginal and vulva carcinoma. It occupies a leading position in the structure of oncopathologies of the anogenital area. One in ten cases is provoked by low oncogenic strains 6 or 11, and one-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 an unconventional method of intercourse, although doctors do not rule out another way of transmission. The reason for oncopathology is HPV activity types 18 and 16.

Of course, this is not a verdict, but there is a growing need for thorough gynecological and cancer diagnoses with this data. Comprehensive testing allows early detection of structural changes in cells and tissues, which helps determine the correct treatment for human papillomavirus.

Diagnostic Procedures

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

Modern testing is done with great care and includes a number of procedures:

1. The first 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 divided into classes, the doctor determines the risk of the infectious process. Thus, 1 and 2 degrees indicate the normal state of the tissues, 3 - from the onset of pathological changes, classes 4 and 5 characterize the presence of oncogenic cells.
3. Colposcopy. It is performed in the case of dysplastic changes in the tissues of the cervix. An acetic acid test is prescribed to clarify the activity of the papilloma virus. The positive result appears as a mosaic pattern on the surface of the epithelium.
4. Histology. Examination of a sample of the affected tissue is performed when it is necessary to examine the cells and any abnormal changes in them. During the procedure, you can identify particularly large epithelial structures.
5. PCR. The most common and highly informative test. The polymerase chain reaction can be used to typify, determine the degree of oncogenicity and the maximum concentration in the blood.
6. Digene test. The modern innovative research method makes it possible to clarify the existing results and the probability of the development of oncology education.

The same diagnostic tactics are used in men. After visual inspection, they are sent for tests. Only based on the results of the study can the practitioner be able to assess the complexity of the clinical case and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Management Approaches

Today, there are no drugs that can completely and permanently kill a viral infection in the body. If self-healing has not occurred, an integrated combined approach is most promising. HPV treatment involves the surgical removal of papillomas or warts in the context of systemic therapy with drugs, homeopathic remedies, and folk methods. There are many options for killing tumors.

Radiosurgery. The formation is cut out with a special knife, then coagulated and bonded.

Laser. In a bloodless and painless way. Bark remains at the site of removal, during which the healing process takes place. The disadvantage is the appearance of scars.

Electrocoagulation. The efficiency, cost, and effectiveness of the procedure is broadly similar to the previous two.

Cryodestruction. Treat any growth with liquid nitrogen. After freezing, the skin rejects them. Affordable price, lack of blood, scarring make this method the most attractive.

Surgical excision. Extremely rare, the likelihood of developing oncology is suspected only in indications. Growthes are cut out with a scalpel.

Systemic treatment of papillomavirus promotes the strengthening of the immune system, reduces the concentration of the agent's DNA in the blood, and prevents the development of malignancies.

To this end, prescribe tablets:

• immunomodulators;
• antiviral agents;
• cytostatics.

The duration of the course is 10-14 days. If you have a permanent sexual partner, you should persuade her to do an examination and start therapy. You shouldn’t get rid of growth either.

Preventive measures

Because the human papillomavirus can easily spread to people of all ages, there is no guaranteed method of protection against intrusion. As evidenced by patients ’opinions, vaccination is a reliable option to prevent infection.

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 administer the vaccine and minimizes the risk of infection. Girls and boys aged 9-14 and young women under 26 will be immunized. Sera are well tolerated by the body.

Vaccination is for prophylactic purposes and should not be used as a medicine.

You should follow simple recommendations to minimize the risk of infection.

• carefully monitors personal hygiene;
• get rid of bad habits;
• strengthen immunity through sports;
• only practice protected sex, avoid casual relationships;
• Carefully approach the choice of sexual partner;
• examined by a gynecologist, venereologist.

If you take your health seriously, you can avoid infection and if a virus gets in, it reduces the likelihood of it spreading.

Conclusion

HPV is the most common infection that no one can protect against. Preventive measures should be followed to prevent activation of the virus, and scheduled examinations and consultation with professionals should be performed in a timely manner to reduce the risk of developing oncology.