At the beginning of the last century, the human papillomavirus was mentioned as the cause of the appearance of warts. But later it was found that it can cause the development of genital cancer in both sexes and of throat and rectal cancer. Depending on the spectrum of clinical 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
More and more people are asking: HPV infection - what is it? This abbreviation denotes a group of viruses that are widespread and heterogeneous in their DNA structure, capable of infecting the skin and mucous membranes. Infection with this substance has been going on for a long time. Hence, warts have been known since the times of the Greeks and Romans, and warts of the anogenital area even earlier. The PCR method even managed to isolate type 18 HPV DNA from the mummy of Maria of Aragon (16th century). And only at the beginning of the 21st century it became possible to influence the spread of a pathogen.
Principles of classification
There are different opinions regarding the number of types of HPV. It has been officially established that the group includes more than 170 strains. They constitute 5 genera, with about 130 agents described and studied in detail. But scientists already know nearly 600 types found in humans.
HPV as a single species was first registered in 1971. To date, knowledge about it has been greatly enriched, which has served as an impetus for the creation of a classification that reflects not onlythe species, but also the genus to which the strain 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 detected based on 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 - 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 degree of risk and to develop an appropriate treatment strategy.
The most dangerous strains
It has been shown that HPV is capable of causing excessive growth 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 mainly transmitted through sexual contact, and barrier contraceptives are unable to provide 100% protection against its penetration.
The following strains are considered the most dangerous:
- Condylomatosis (appearance of pointed 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 strains can remain in a "dormant" state for a long time. Therefore, it can take decades from infection to cervical cancer formation.
Penetration of the virus into the body
Papillomavirus is considered highly contagious, as each type can be transmitted by a specific method.
The main options for the penetration of the pathogen into the body of the "victim" are the following:
- Sexual contact with a carrier of the virus. The most common method of infection. The danger is represented by both traditional relationships and other types of 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 baby 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.
- Contact and family transmission of infection are also considered common. Some strains are distinguished by their vitality, 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 are invisible microdamages on the skin.
- Self-inoculation or self-infection can occur when a living viral cell is accidentally transferred from a damaged area to healthy parts of the skin during shaving, epilation, and simply non-compliance with hygiene rules.
Important to know!The causative agent with high carcinogenic risk is mainly transmitted through sexual contact and barrier contraceptives do not guarantee complete protection against infections. 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 insidiousness, that is, 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 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.
Fast reproduction also does not begin immediately, but only under favorable conditions, namely the weakening of the defense mechanism, which occurs against the background of the following factors:
- stress, overwork;
- poor 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;
- STDs, including AIDS, HIV, herpes;
- chronic diseases in the acute phase;
- period of pregnancy.
The risk group consists mainly of the fair sex. The likelihood of infection increases in people of reproductive age of 20-45 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, which is due to the type of HPV, its danger. The latent course of the disease is characterized by the absence of signs.
External signs:
- papillomas;
- flat and vulgar warts;
- genital warts.
Modules not visible during external examination:
- dyskeratosis;
- coilocytosis;
- epithelial dysplasia.
Relapses against the background of the papillomavirus appear 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 virus of a non-oncogenic nature, the formation of localized warts on the palms of the soles of the feet is possible. In the absence of aesthetic discomfort, there are no indications for removal.
During an exacerbation, a woman develops fever, chills, itching, fever, vaginal discharge.
Learn more about the consequences
The type and severity of HPV infection are determined by the activity of the pathogen and its type. When the genotype is affected by a high oncogenic risk, prolonged replication contributes to increasing the number of cellular structures with a mutation in the genome.
Against the background of bacterial vaginosis, the transformation of the cervical epithelium, as well as a number of other pathological processes occurring in the body, increases the risk of a precancerous stage or the development of a malignant tumor.
The latter include the following states.
- 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 prominent place. Every tenth case is caused by a low oncogen strain 6 or 11 and a third of all diseases are caused by a virus 16 and 18.
- Anal cancer. It is mainly detected in women, but it is also recorded 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 verdict, but in relation to these data the need for a thorough gynecological and oncological diagnosis increases. A comprehensive examination allows for early detection of structural changes in cells and tissues, which, in the case of the human papillomavirus, helps determine how to properly treat it.
Diagnostic procedures
As already mentioned, diagnostic measures play an important role in the defeat of the body with HPV infection.
The modern examination is performed with great care and includes several procedures:
- The initial consultation includes a visual examination to identify external signs (warts, papillomas). If growths are found in the urogenital area, the doctor directs the patient for further examination of the cervix or ureteroscopy.
- PAP smear or cytology Pap smear. Based on the results, divided into classes, the doctor determines the risks of the infectious process. So 1 and 2 degrees indicate the normal state of tissues, 3 - on the onset of pathological changes, 4 and 5 classes characterize the presence of oncogenic cells.
- Colposcopy. It is performed in 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. The study of a sample of the affected tissue is carried out if it is necessary to study the cells and the pathological changes that occur in them. During the procedure, particularly large epithelial structures can be identified.
- PCR. The most common and highly informative test. With the help of the polymerase chain reaction, it is possible to perform typing, to determine the degree of oncogenicity and the maximum concentration in the blood.
- Digene test. The modern innovative research method makes it possible to clarify the existing results and determine the probability of formation of oncology education.
The same diagnostic tactics are used for men. After a visual examination, he is sent for testing. Only based on the results of the examination, the specialist is able to assess the complexity of the clinical case and prescribe adequate treatment.
Therapeutic approaches
To date, there are no drugs that can completely and permanently destroy a viral infection in the body. If self-healing has not occurred, the most promising is an integrated combined approach. HPV treatment involves the surgical removal of papillomas or warts against the background of systemic therapy with drugs, homeopathic remedies and folk method. There are several options for the destruction of growths.
Radiosurgical. The formation is excised with a special knife, after which coagulation is performed and a bandage is applied.
Laser. Bloodless and painless way. A scab 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 actual impact.
Cryodestruction. Treatment of growths of any kind with liquid nitrogen. After freezing, they are repelled by the skin. Affordable price, no blood, scars make this method the most attractive.
Surgical excision. It is performed extremely rarely, only according to indications in case of suspicion of the likelihood of developing oncology. The growths are removed 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 pills for this purpose:
- immunomodulators;
- antiviral agents;
- cytostatics.
The duration of the treatment course is 10-14 days. If you have a lifelong sexual partner, you need to convince him to undergo an examination and start therapy. Also, you shouldn't get rid of the growths on your own.
Preventive measures
Since human papillomavirus spreads easily among people of all ages, there is no guaranteed way to protect yourself from its penetration. As evidenced by patient reviews, vaccination is a reliable option for preventing infection.
Modern medicine offers special serums as a preventive measure. The drugs are produced in the form of a suspension, in disposable syringes, which facilitates the administration of the vaccine and minimizes the risk of infection. Girls and boys between the ages of 9 and 14 and young women up to 26 are subject to vaccination. Serums are well tolerated by the body.
Vaccination is carried out for prophylactic purposes and cannot act as a medicine.
To minimize the risk of developing an infection, you need to follow simple tips.
- carefully monitor personal hygiene;
- get rid of bad habits;
- strengthens immunity by playing sports;
- only practice protected sex, avoid casual relationships;
- carefully approaches the choice of a sexual partner;
- to be screened by a gynecologist, venereologist.
Taking your health seriously will help you avoid infection, and if a virus gets in, you will reduce the likelihood of spreading it.
Conclusion
HPV is the most common infection that nobody can protect themselves from. To prevent the activation of the virus, it is necessary to follow preventive measures, and to reduce the risk of developing oncology, undergo scheduled examinations in time and consult specialists.