Detailed characterization of human papillomavirus

At the beginning of the last century, the human papillomavirus was reported to cause the appearance of warts. But it was later discovered that it could provoke the development of genital cancer in both sexes and carcinomas of the throat and rectum. Depending on the spectrum of manifestations, doctors managed to isolate different types of HPV and combine them into a certain system.

everything you need to know about the human papillomavirus

Is

more and more people are thinking: HPV infection - what is it? This abbreviation refers to a group of common and heterogeneous DNA viruses 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 Greeks and Romans, andWarts of the Anjanital region earlier also. The PCR method was also successful in isolating type 18 HPV DNA from the mummies of Maryland of Aragon (XVI century). And only in the early XXI century was it possible to influence the spread of the disease-causing agentGone.

Principles of classification

There are many opinions about the number of HPV types. It is officially established that the group comprises more than 170 strains. They constitute the 5th generation, describing and studying about 130 agents. But scientists already know about 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 has led to the creation of a taxonomy, in which not only speciesHas been shown, but also the genus which is related to stress. In practice, it is of great importance, as it helps to determine the clinical manifestations and form of the course of infection.

Virus types are found according to the following criteria:

• transmission method;
• target (skin or mucous membrane);
• diseases that develop as a result of infection;
• degree of oncogenicity.

Classification

according to the degree of carcinogenesis is necessary to prevent the consequences associated with the development of oncological processes.

HPV Type:

• 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 evaluate the degree of risk and develop an adequate treatment strategy.

most dangerous strains

It has been proven that HPV is capable of provoking dermal overgrowth and leads to the formation of benign structures on the face, neck, back, abdomen, each of which looks like a wart, papilloma, versiform dysplasia. But in extreme cases the highly oncogenic pathogen stimulates the development of oncology in both men and women. The virus is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, and barrier contraception is not able to provide 100% protection against its penetration. Huh.

The following strains are considered the most dangerous:

• Conceilomatosis (presence of indicated enlargement) - 6, 42.
• Small flat constructions forming on vaginal and cervical canal walls - 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.

It's important to know!Even after identifying the type of virus, you should not panic, as most malicious stress can be in a "dormant" state for a long time. Therefore, the formation of cervical cancer from infection can take decades.

virus entry into the body

Papillomavirus is considered highly infectious, with each type capable of being transmitted by a specific method.

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

1. Sexual contact with the carrier of the virus. The most common method of infection. The danger is represented by both conventional and other types of sexual intercourse. Since the pathogen is much smaller than the orifice diameter of the condom, the contraceptive is 100% protective. Can not provide.
2. Vertical type of infection involves the transmission of the virus by the mother to the child during delivery. A non-cellular agent can cause laryngeal papillomatosis in a newborn baby, that is, less frequently on the genitals and the mucosa of the mouth. Growth is formed on the membrane.
3. Infection contact and home transmission are also considered common. Some strains are notable for their vitality, so they can maintain their activity in moist environments. When sleeping, swimming pools, bathing, personalWhen sharing hygiene items, the risk of infection increases, especially if there are invisible microadamages on the skin.
4. Autoinoculation or self-infection can occur when a living virus cell is transferred from a damaged area to healthy parts of the skin during shaving, waxing and non-compliance with hygiene regulations only.

It's important to know!The causative agent of high carcinogenic risk is mainly transmitted through sexual contact, and the barrier does not guarantee complete protection against contraceptive infection. This is due not only to the small size of the virus, but also to the dermis. This is also due to its localization on the surface, which is not covered by condoms.

due to papillomatosis progression

Regardless of the degree of oncogenicity, HPV is characterized by insidiousness, meaning 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 is 2-3 weeks. The presence of an infectious agent in the body of people who do not have external symptoms is also not known.

Rapid reproduction also does not begin immediately, but only in favorable conditions, ie, weakening of the defense mechanism against the background of the following factors:

• stress, overwork;
• poor and dull food;
• hormonal imbalance;
• Bad habits - tobacco smoking and alcohol abuse;
• frequent miscarriages, complications after childbirth;
• Inflammatory and infectious diseases of the genital system;
• STIs, including AIDS, HIV, herpes;
• chronic diseases in the acute phase;
• pregnancy period.

The risk group mainly includes fair sex. There is an increased likelihood of infection among people aged 20–45 years who are sexually active.

symptoms at different stages

Human papillomavirus infection can be pronounced or latent or subclinical. Symptomatic manifestations of the disease are variable, depending on the type of HPV, its risk. Characteristic of the latent course of the disease in the absence of symptoms.

External signal:

• papilloma;
• Flat and vulgar warts;
• genital warts.

Forms not visible during external examination:

• dyskeratosis;
• coylocytosis;
• epithelial dysplasia.

Against the background of papillomavirus such pathologies appear as:

• dyskeratosis with mild epithelial changes;
• dysplasia itself;
• cancerous tumors;
• squamous cell carcinoma.

It's important to know!In the case of viruses of a non-oncogenic nature, the formation of localized warts on the palms, the soles of the feet is possible. In the absence of cosmetic discomfort, there is no indication for removal.

During exaggeration, a woman develops fever, chills, itching, fever, vaginal discharge.

More about the results

The type and severity of HPV infection is determined by the pathogen and its type of activity. Long-term replication contributes to an increase in the number of cellular structures with genome mutations when the genotype is affected by a high oncogenic risk. .

Against the backdrop of bacterial vaginosis, alteration of the cervical epithelium, as well as a number of other pathological processes occurring in the body, increases the risk of an early stage or the development of a malignant tumor.

The latter includes the following states.

1. Cervical cancer. 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 oncopathology of the anogenital region, it occupies a leading position. Every tenth case is provoked by a low-oncogenic strain 6 or 11, and a third of all diseases are viruses 16 and 18. Causes
3. Anal cancer. It is mainly found in women, but is also recorded in gay men who practice an unconventional method of sexual intercourse, although doctors do not exclude any other route of transmission. The cause of oncopathology is the activity of HPV types 18 and 16.

Of course, this is not a decision, but in relation to these data, the need for a thorough gynecological and cancer diagnosis increases. A comprehensive examination allows early detection of structural changes in cells and tissues, Which, in the case of human papillomavirus, helps determine how to treat it properly.

diagnostic procedures

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

The modern exam is done very carefully and involves many procedures:

1. Initial consultation involves a visual examination to identify external signs (warts, papillomas). If an enlargement of the urogenital area is found, the physician may ask the patient for additional examination of the cervix or urethra. Directs to
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 - PathologicalRegarding the onset of changes, classes 4 and 5 are characterized by the presence of oncogenic cells.
3. Colposcopy. This is done in case of dysplastic changes in cervical tissue. Acetic acid test is scheduled to clarify the activity of papilloma virus. A positive result appears as a mosaic pattern on the surface of the epithelium. is.
4. histology. A sample of affected tissue is studied 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 particularly large size.
5. PCR. The most common and highly informative test. With the help of polymerase chain reaction, it is possible to determine typing, degree of oncogenicity, and maximum concentrations in the blood.
6. Digne test. The modern new method of research makes it possible to clarify the existing results and determine the possibility of formation of oncological education.

The same diagnostic strategy is used for men. After a visual examination, he is sent for tests. Only according to the results of the examination, the expert is able to assess the complexity of the clinical case and adequatelyIs able to prescribe treatment.

treatment approach

Today there are no drugs that can completely and permanently destroy a viral infection in the body. If not self-healing, the most promising is an integrated combined approach. Medicines in HPV treatment, homeopathicTreatment and surgical procedure with folk method include surgical removal of papilloma or warts against the background of systemic therapy. There are several options for developmental destruction.

Radiosurgical. The reading is excised with a special knife, which is then coagulated and a bandage is placed.

laser. Bloodless and painless method. A crust remains at the site of removal, under which the healing process occurs. There is the appearance of damage scar.

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

Cryodetection. Treatment of any type of growth with liquid nitrogen. After cooling, they are rejected by the skin. The cheap price, absence of blood, scarring makes this method most attractive.

Surgical excision. It is extremely rare, only on suspicion of the possibility of developing oncology. 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 tablets for this purpose:

• immunomodulator;
• antiviral agent;
• cytostatics.

The duration of treatment is 10-14 days. If you have a permanent sexual partner, you must persuade him to undergo an examination and start therapy. You should not get rid of the growth on your own.

preventive measures

Since the human papillomavirus spreads easily to people of all ages, there is no guaranteed way of protecting against its penetration. As patients' reviews suggest, vaccination is a reliable option to prevent infection.

Modern medicine offers special serums as a preventive measure. In disposable syringes, the drugs are produced as a suspension, which facilitates the administration of the vaccine and reduces the risks of infection. Girls and boys aged 9–14, as well as young women up to 26 years old are under vaccination. Cerams are well tolerated by the body.

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

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

• Monitor personal hygiene carefully;
• get rid of bad habits;
• strengthen immunity by playing games;
• Practice protected sex only, avoid casual relationships;
• carefully go to the choice of sexual partner;
• should be examined by a gynecologist, venereologist.

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

Conclusion

HPV is the most common infection that no one can protect against. To prevent virus activation, preventive measures are necessary, and to reduce the risk of developing oncology, timely scheduled examinationsGo through and consult experts.