Detailed characteristics of human papillomavirus

At the beginning of the last century, human papillomavirus was thought to be the cause of warts. However, it was later discovered that it can cause the development of genital cancer in both sexes, as well as throat and rectal cancer. Based on the spectrum of clinical manifestations, doctors try to isolate different types of HPV and combine them into a system.

Everything you need to know about human papillomavirus

More and more people want to know: HPV infection-what is it? The abbreviation refers to a group of common and heterogeneous DNA viruses that can infect skin and mucous membranes. The infection of this substance has been going on for a long time. Therefore, warts have been known since the Greeks and Romans, and the warts in the genital area are even earlier. The PCR method even successfully isolated type 18 HPV DNA from the mummies of Mary of Aragon (XVI century). It was not until the beginning of the 21st century that it was possible to affect the spread of pathogenic factors.

Classification principles

There are several opinions on the number of HPV types. It is officially determined that the group includes more than 170 strains. They constitute 5 genera, and about 130 drugs have been described and studied in detail. But scientists already know that nearly 600 types have been found in humans.

Classification of human papillomavirus

HPV was first recorded as a single species in 1971. So far, the knowledge about it has been greatly enriched, which has provided impetus for the creation of classifications that reflect not only the species but also the genera of the strains. In fact, this is very important because it helps determine the clinical manifestations and the form of the infection process.

The virus type was detected based on the following conditions:

  • Transmission method;
  • Target (skin or mucous membrane);
  • Diseases developed due to infection;
  • Carcinogenicity.

Classification according to the degree of carcinogenesis is necessary to prevent the consequences related to the development of the tumor process.

HPV type:

  • Low risk-strains 6, 12, 14, 42-44;
  • Moderate risk-Type 31, 35, 51;
  • High risk -16, 18, 45, 56, 58, 59.

This classification allows you to visually assess the degree of risk and formulate appropriate treatment strategies.

The most dangerous strain

It has been proven that HPV can cause the overgrowth of the dermis and cause the formation of benign structures on the face, neck, back, and abdomen. Each surface looks like warts, papilloma, and verrucous dysplasia. But in most cases, highly carcinogenic pathogens have stimulated the development of oncology in men and women. The virus is mainly transmitted through sexual contact, and barrier contraceptives cannot provide 100% protection to prevent its penetration.

The following strains are considered the most dangerous:

  • Conjunctiomatosis (spike growth appears)-6, 42.
  • Small flat structures formed on the walls of the vagina and cervix -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 notice!Even if you have determined the type of virus, don't panic, because most malicious viruses may be in a "sleep" state for a long time. Therefore, it may take decades from infection to the formation of cervical cancer.

The virus penetrates into the body

Papillomaviruses are considered highly contagious, and each type can be spread through specific methods.

The main options for pathogen infiltration into the "victim" are as follows:

  1. Sexual contact with viral vectors. The most common method of infection. Both traditional and other types of sexual intercourse represent this danger. Since the pathogen is much smaller than the aperture of the condom, contraceptives cannot provide 100% protection.
  2. Vertical infection involves the mother transmitting the virus to the child during childbirth. Non-cytokines can cause neonatal laryngeal papillomatosis, that is, growth on the mucous membranes of the larynx and oral cavity, but less growth on the genitals.
  3. Contact and family-borne infections are also considered common. Some strains are known for their vigor, so they can remain active in humid environments. When visiting saunas, swimming pools, bathrooms, and sharing personal hygiene items, the risk of infection increases, especially if there are invisible micro injuries on the skin.
  4. In the process of shaving, hair removal, and complete non-compliance with hygiene rules, when live virus cells accidentally transfer from the damaged area to the healthy part of the skin, auto-inoculation or self-infection may occur.

Important notice!Pathogens with high carcinogenic risk are mainly transmitted through sexual contact, and barrier contraceptives cannot guarantee complete prevention of infection. This is not only because the virus is small, but also because it is located on the surface of the dermis, which does not cover the condom.

Reasons for the progression of papillomatosis

Regardless of the degree of carcinogenesis, HPV is characterized as insidious, that is, it can live in the human body without manifesting itself in any way. Depending on the state of the immune system, the incubation period may last from 2-3 weeks to decades. Therefore, people without external symptoms are not even aware of the presence of infectious agents in their bodies.

Rapid reproduction does not start immediately, but only under favorable conditions, that is, the weakening of the defense mechanism. It occurs under the background of the following factors:

  • Stress, overwork;
  • Poor and monotonous food;
  • Hormonal imbalance;
  • Bad habits-smoking and alcohol;
  • Frequent miscarriage and postpartum complications;
  • Inflammation and infectious diseases of the genitourinary system;
  • Sexually transmitted infections, including AIDS, HIV, and herpes;
  • Chronic diseases in the acute phase;
  • During pregnancy.

The risk group consists mainly of fairer genders. Sexually active people of childbearing age 20-45 are more likely to be infected.

Symptoms at different stages

Human papillomavirus infection can be obvious or latent or subclinical. The symptoms of the disease are diverse, which is due to the type of HPV and its risk. The incubation period of the disease is characterized by the absence of signs.

External logo:

  • Papilloma;
  • Flat warts and common warts;
  • Condyloma acuminata.

Invisible form during external inspection:

  • Incomplete keratosis;
  • Increased granulocytes;
  • Abnormal epithelial development.

The recurrence against the background of papillomavirus appears in the following pathological forms:

  • Insufficiency of keratosis, mild epithelial changes;
  • The dysplasia itself;
  • Cancerous tumor;
  • Squamous cell carcinoma.

Important notice!If it is a non-carcinogenic virus, warts may form on the palms of the hands, and warts may also form on the soles of the feet. In the absence of cosmetic discomfort, there is no sign of removal.

During the worsening period, women have fever, chills, itching, fever and vaginal discharge.

More information about the consequences

The type and severity of HPV infection depend on the activity of the pathogen and its type. When the genotype is affected by a high risk of carcinogenesis, prolonged replication can lead to an increase in the number of cell structures with genomic mutations.

In the context of bacterial vaginosis, cervical epithelial cell transformation and many other pathological processes that occur in the body, the risk of precancerous or malignant tumor development increases.

The latter includes the following states.

  1. Cervical cancer. The second disease in women after breast cancer. In all cases, more than 70% are caused by the activity of HPV types 16 and 18.
  2. Vaginal and vulvar cancer. It occupies a dominant position in the pathological structure of tumors in the anogenital area. One in ten cases is caused by low carcinogenic strains 6 or 11, and one third of all diseases are caused by viruses 16 and 18.
  3. Anal cancer. Although doctors did not rule out other routes of transmission, it was mainly detected in women, but it was also recorded in gay men who used unconventional sexual intercourse. The cause of tumor pathology is the activity of HPV types 18 and 16.

Of course, this is not a conclusion, but combined with these data, the demand for thorough gynecology and cancer diagnosis has increased. A comprehensive examination can detect structural changes in cells and tissues early, and for human papillomavirus, this helps determine how to treat it correctly.

Diagnostic procedures

As mentioned earlier, diagnostic measures play an important role in body failure caused by human papillomavirus infection.

The modernization check is very careful and involves several steps:

The diagnosis method of human papillomavirus
  1. The initial consultation includes a visual examination to identify external symptoms (warts, papillomas). If growth is found in the genitourinary tract area, the doctor will instruct the patient to perform cervical or ureteroscopy.
  2. PAP test or Pap smear cytology. Based on the results of the classification, the doctor determines the risk of the infection process. Therefore, 1 and 2 degrees indicate the normal state of the tissue, 3-indicates the beginning of pathological changes, and 4 and 5 indicate the presence of cancer cells.
  3. Colposcopy. This is done when the cervix tissue develops abnormally. An acetic acid test is required to clarify the activity of papillomavirus. A positive result is shown as a mosaic pattern on the epithelial surface.
  4. Histology. If it is necessary to study the cells and the pathological changes that occur in them, the affected tissues need to be studied. During this process, you can identify particularly large epithelial structures.
  5. PCR. The most common and useful test. With the help of polymerase chain reaction, typing can be performed to determine the degree of carcinogenesis and the maximum concentration in the blood.
  6. Digene test. Modern innovative research methods can clarify existing results and determine the possibility of tumor education.

Men use the same diagnostic strategy. After a visual inspection, he was sent for testing. Only based on the results of the examination can experts assess the complexity of clinical cases and prescribe appropriate treatment plans.

Treatment method

Today, there is no drug that can completely and permanently destroy the viral infection in the body. If self-healing has not yet occurred, then the most promising is an integrated comprehensive approach. HPV treatment involves surgical removal of papilloma or warts in the context of systemic therapies such as medicine, homeopathy and folk remedies. There are several options for disrupting growth.

Radiosurgery. Use a special knife to cut the ground, then coagulate and wrap it with a bandage.

Laser. A bloodless and painless way. The removal skin remains at the removal site, where the healing process takes place. The disadvantage is scarring.

Electrocoagulation. This program is very similar to the previous two programs in terms of efficiency, cost and effective impact.

Encryption. Treat any kind of growth with liquid nitrogen. After freezing, they are repelled by the skin. Reasonable price, no blood and no scars make this method the most attractive.

Surgical removal. This situation is extremely rare only when there is a suspicion of the possibility of tumor development based on signs. Use a scalpel to remove the growth.

Systemic treatment of papillomavirus helps strengthen the immune system, lower the concentration of drug DNA in the blood, and prevent the development of malignant processes.

Prescribe a prescription for this purpose:

  • Immunomodulator;
  • Antiviral drugs;
  • Cell inhibitors.

The duration of the treatment course is 10-14 days. If you have a permanent partner, you must persuade him to be tested and start treatment. You should not get rid of growth yourself.

Preventive measures

Since the human papillomavirus is easily spread among people of all ages, there is no guarantee to prevent its spread. As evidenced by patient comments, vaccination is a reliable option to prevent infection.

Prevent human papillomavirus

Modern medicine provides special serum as a preventive measure. These drugs are made in the form of a suspension in a disposable syringe, which facilitates the administration of the vaccine and minimizes the risk of infection. Boys and girls aged 9-14 and young women under 26 need to be immunized. The body tolerates the serum well.

Vaccination is for preventive purposes and cannot be used as a medicine.

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

  • Carefully monitor personal hygiene;
  • Get rid of bad habits;
  • Strengthen immunity through exercise;
  • Only practice protective behaviors and avoid casual relationships;
  • Be cautious and choose your partner;
  • Screened by gynecologists and STD specialists.

Taking health seriously will help you avoid infection and, if a virus enters, it can reduce the possibility of spreading the virus.

Conclusion

HPV is the most common infection that no one can resist. In order to prevent virus activation, preventive measures must be taken, and the risk of developing oncology must be reduced, regular inspections should be carried out on time and experts should be consulted.