At the beginning of the last century, the human papilloma virus was mentioned as the cause of the appearance of warts. But it later turned out that it could provoke the development of genital cancer in both sexes and carcinoma of the throat and rectum. Depending on the spectrum of clinical manifestations, doctors were able to isolate different types of HPV and combine them into a specific system.
Everything you need to know about the human papilloma virus
More and more people are asking: HPV infection - what is it? This abbreviation indicates a group of diffuse and heterogeneous viruses in their DNA structure, capable of infecting the skin and mucous membranes. Infection with this substance has lasted for 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 even managed to isolate HPV type 18 DNA from the mummy of Mary of Aragon (16th century). And only at the beginning of the XXI century it became possible to influence the spread of a causative agent of the disease.
Classification Principles
There are several opinions regarding the number of HPV types. EstablishedIt has been officially confirmed that the group includes more than 170 species. They comprise 5 genera, with about 130 agents described and studied in detail. But scientists already know almost 600 species found in humans.
HPV as a single species was first recorded in 1971. To date, knowledge about it has been greatly enriched, which has served as the impetus for creating a classification that reflects not only the species butalso the genus to which the species belongs. In practice, this is of great importance, as it helps 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 to prevent the consequences associated with the development of oncological processes.
Types of HPV:
- low risk - types 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.
Most dangerous strains
it has been proven that HPV is able to provoke 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 vast majority of cases provokes the development of oncology in both men and women. The virus is transmitted mainly through sexual contact and barrier contraceptives are unable to provide 100% protection against its penetration.
The following types are considered the most dangerous:
- Condylomatosis (appearance of marked 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 you have identified the type of virus, you should not panic, as the most harmful types may 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 species being transmitted by a specific method.The main options for the pathogen to penetrate the "victim"'s body are as follows:
- Sexual contact with a carrier of the virus. The most common method of infection. Risk is represented by traditional and other relationships. Since the pathogen is much smaller than the pore diameter of the condom, the contraceptive cannot provide 100% protection.
- The vertical type of infection involves the transmission of the virus from mother to child during birth. A non-cellular agent can cause laryngeal papillomatosis in a newborn, i. e. the formation of growths in the mucous membranes of the larynx and mouth, less frequently in the genitals.
- Contact and transmission of the infection in the family is also considered common. Some species are distinguished for their liveliness, so they can maintain their activity in a humid environment. When visiting saunas, swimming pools, baths, when sharing personal hygiene items, the risk of infection increases, especially if there is invisible micro-damage to the skin.
- 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, waxing and simply not following the rules of hygiene.
Important to know!The causative agent of high risk carcinogen 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 insidious, that is, it is able to live in the human body without being shown 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 have no external signs are not even aware of the presence of an infectious agent in their body.
Rapid reproduction also does not start immediately, but only under favorable conditions, namely, the weakening of the defense mechanism, which occurs against the background of the following factors:
- stress, overload;
- poor and monotonous food;
- hormonal imbalance;
- bad habits - smoking and alcohol abuse;
- frequent miscarriages, postpartum complications;
- inflammatory and infectious diseases of the genitourinary system; STIs, including AIDS, HIV, herpes;
- chronic diseases in the acute phase;
- period of pregnancy.
The risk group consists mainly of beautiful sex. The likelihood of infection increases in people of reproductive age 20-45 years who are sexually active.
Symptoms at different stages
Human papillomavirus infection can be either latent or subclinical. The symptomatic manifestations of the disease are variable, which is due to the type of HPV, its risk. The latent course of the disease is characterized by the absence of signs.
External signs:
- papilloma;
- flat and vulgar warts;
- genital warts.
Invisible shapes during external examination:
- dyskeratosis;
- koilocytosis;
- epithelial dysplasia.
Recurrences in the background of papillomavirus appear in the form of the following pathologies:
- dyskeratosis with slight epithelial changes;
- dysplasia itself;
- carcinogenic tumor;
- squamous cell carcinoma.
The important thing is 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 a worsening, 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 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 conditions.
- 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.
- Vaginal and vulvar carcinoma. In the structure of oncopathologies of the anogenital area, it occupies a key place. Every tenth case is provoked by a low oncogenic strain 6 or 11, and one third of all diseases are caused by a virus 16 and 18.
- Anal cancer. It is found mainly in women, but has also been reported in gay 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 decision, but in relation to this data, the need for a complete gynecological and cancer diagnosis increases. A comprehensive examination allows early detection of structural changes in cells and tissues, which, in the case of human papilloma virus, help to determine how to treat it correctly.
Diagnostic procedures
As already mentioned, diagnostic measures play an important role in defeating the body with HPV infection.
The modern examination is performed very carefully and includes several procedures:
- Initial consultation involves 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.
- PAP Pap smear test or 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 onset of pathological changes, grades 4 and 5 characterize the presence of oncogenic cells.
- Colposcopy. It is performed in the case of dysplastic changes in the tissues of the cervix. The 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.
- Histology. Examination of a sample of affected tissue is performed 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 a particularly large size.
- PCR. The most common and very informative test. With the help of the polymerase chain reaction, it is possible to perform suppression, determine the degree of oncogenicity and the maximum concentration in the blood.
- Digenit test. The innovative modern method of research makes it possible to clarify the existing results and determine the likelihood of the formation of oncology education.
The same diagnostic tactics are used for men. After a visual examination, he is sent for analysis. 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
To date, there is no drug that can completely and permanently destroy a viral infection in the body. If self-healing has not occurred, then the most promising is a combined integrated approach. HPV treatment involves surgical removal of papillomas or warts in the background of systemic therapy with drugs, homeopathic remedies and folk method. There are several possibilities for destroying growths.
Radiosurgical. The formation is cut 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 signs.
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, lack of blood, signs makes this method more attractive.
Surgical incision. It is performed extremely rarely, only according to the indications in case of doubt about the likelihood of developing oncology. The growths are cut with a scalpel.
Systemic treatment of papillomavirus helps to strengthen the immune system, reduce the concentration of the agent DNA in the blood and prevent the development of malignant processes.
Defines 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 an examination and start therapy. You also do not have to save on hikes 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 patient reviews, vaccination is a reliable option for preventing infection.
Modern medicine offers special serums as a preventative measure. The drug is 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 performed for prophylactic purposes and can not act as a medicine.
To minimize the risk of developing an infection, you should follow simple recommendations.
- carefully monitor personal hygiene;
- get rid of bad habits;
- strengthen immunity by playing sports;
- practice only protected sex, avoid casual relationships;
- approach the choice of sexual partner carefully;
- be examined by a gynecologist, venereologist.
Taking your health seriously will help you avoid infection and if a virus gets in, you will reduce the chances of it spreading.