Detailed characterization of the human papillomavirus virus

5 September 2020

At the beginning of the last century, the human papillomavirus was cited as a cause of the appearance of warts. But he later discovered that it can stimulate the development of genital cancer in both sexes and in carcinoma of the throat and rectum. Depending on the spectrum of clinical manifestations, doctors have successfully isolated different types of HPV and combined them into a particular system.

Everything You Need to Know About Human Papillomavirus

More and more people are thinking: HPV infection - what is it? This abbreviation indicates 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. 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 isolated the type 18 HPV DNA from the mum of Mary of Aragon (XVI century). And only at the beginning of the XXI century was it possible to influence the spread of a disease - causing agent.

Principles of Classification

There are several observations on the number of HPV types. It is officially established that there are more than 170 songs in the group. They are 5 genes, and about 130 agents are described and studied in detail. But scientists already know nearly 600 species found in humans.

classification of human papillomavirus virus

HPV was first recorded as a single species in 1971. To date, knowledge has been greatly enriched, which has been the impetus for creating a classification that reflects not only the species, but also the genus with whichthe pressure applies. In practice, this is extremely important, because it helps to determine the clinical manifestations and course form of the infection.

Virus types are found according to the following criteria:

;
(skin or mucous membranes);
that develop as a result of infection;
oncogenicity.

Classification by degree of carcinogenicity is necessary in order to prevent the consequences of the development of oncological processes.

Types

HPV:

low risk - song 6, 12, 14, 42-44;
- types 31, 35, 51;
high risk - 16, 18, 45, 56, 58, 59.

This classification allows you to visually assess the extent of the risk and develop an adequate treatment strategy.

The most dangerous songs

It has been proven

HPV has been proven to stimulate overgrowth of the dermis and form benign formations on the face, neck, back, abdomen, all of which like wart, papilloma, dysplasiaveruciform. But the highly oncotic pathogen in the vast majority of cases stimulates the development of oncology in both men and women. The virus is transmitted primarily through sexual contact, and a barrier contraceptive cannot provide 100% protection against its penetration.

The following songs are considered to be 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.

Important to know!Even after identifying the type of virus, you should not panic, as the most malicious songs can be in an "idle" state for a long time. Therefore, it can take many years from infection to cervical cancer formation.

Penetration of the virus into the body

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

The main options for penetrating the pathogen into the body of the "victim" are:

Sexual contact with the carrier of the virus. The most common method of infection. The danger has been demonstrated by traditional and other forms of intercourse. Because the pathogen is much smaller than the pore diameter of the condom, the contraceptive cannot provide 100% protection.
A vertical type of infection involves the transmission of the virus to the baby during labor. A non-cellular agent can cause laryngeal papillomatosis in newborns, that is, the formation of growths on the mucous membranes of the larynx and mouth, as often on the genitals.
Autoimmunity or self-infection can occur when a live virus 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 of high carcinogenic risk is transmitted primarily through sexual contact, and a barrier contraceptive does 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 insidiousness, that is, it is able to survive in the human body without showing itself in any way. Depending on the state of the immune system, the incubation period can last between 2-3 weeks and several years. Therefore, people who do not have external symptoms are not even aware of the presence of an infectious agent in their body.

Rapid reproduction does not begin immediately, but 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;
;
- smoking tobacco and alcohol abuse;
, complications after childbirth;
inflammatory and infectious diseases of the genitourinary system;
, including AIDS, HIV, herpes;
in the acute phase;
.

The risk group is mostly the fairer sex. The likelihood of infection increases in people in the reproductive age of 20-45 years, who are sexually active.

Signals at various stages

Human papillomavirus infection can be pronounced or latent or subclinical. The symptomatic types of the disease are variable, due to the type of HPV, the risk. The latent course of the disease is characterized by the absence of symptoms.

External signals:

;
fair and vulgar;
.

Forms

not visible during external examination:

;
;
.

Factors against papillomavirus background appear in the form of the following pathologies:

with mild epithelial changes;
itself;
;
.

Important to know!In the case of a virus of a non-oncotic nature, the formation of warts that are localized on the palms, soles of the feet is possible. In the absence of cosmetic discomfort, there is no sign of it being removed.

During exacerbation, 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 the genotype is exposed to a high risk of oncosis, prolonged replication contributes to an increase in the number of cellular structures that have a genome mutation.

Against the background of bacterial vaginosis, transformation of the cervical epitheliiam, as well as some other pathological processes occurring in the body, increases the risk of precancerous stage or malignant tumor development.

The last states include the following states.

Cervical cancer. The second disease after breast cancer in women. Activity of HPV types 16 and 18 accounts for more than 70% of all cases.
Vaginal and vulvar carcinoma. In the structure of oncopathies in the anogenital area, it has a pioneering place. Low-oncotic pressure induces 6 or 11 out of every ten cases, and viruses 16 and 18 cause a third of all diseases.
Anal Cancer. It is detected primarily in women, but is also recorded in gay men who practice a non-conventional method of intercourse, although doctors do not rule out another route of transmission. The cause of oncopathology is activity of types 18 and 16 HPV.

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

Diagnostic procedures

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

Modern examination is carried out very carefully and there are several procedures:

methods for diagnosing human papillomavirus virus

The initial consultation includes a visual examination to identify external signs (warts, papillomas). If growths are found in the urogenital area, the doctor prescribes the patient for further examination of the cervix or ureteroscope.
or Pap smear cytology. Based on the results, which are divided into classes, the doctor determines the risks of the infectious process. Thus 1 and 2 stages indicate the normal state of the tissues, 3 - by the onset of pathological changes, classes 4 and 5 are characterized by the presence of oncogenic cells.
. It is performed in the case of dysplastic changes in the tissues of the cervix. Acetic acid testing is prescribed to clarify the activity of the papilloma virus. A positive result is seen as a mosaic pattern on the surface of the epitheliiam.
Histology. A sample of the affected tissue is studied if the cells and the pathological changes that occur in them need to be studied. During the procedure, you can identify epithelial structures of very large size.
PCR. The most common and very informative test. With the help of the polymerase chain reaction, typing can be performed, the extent of oncogenicity determined, and the maximum concentration in the blood.
Digene. The innovative modern research method allows the results to be clarified and the likelihood of oncology education to be determined.

The same diagnostic measures are used for men. After visual examination, it is sent for tests. Based on the results of the examination alone, the specialist is able to assess the complexity of the clinical case and prescribe adequate treatment.

Treatment Approach

Today there are no drugs that can completely and permanently destroy viral infection in the body. If self-medication has not occurred, what is most promising is an integrated approach. HPV treatment involves the surgical removal of papillomas or warts against the background of systemic therapy with medications, homeopathic remedies, and the folk method. There are several options for destroying growth.

Radiosurgical

. The gel is milled with a special knife, after which coagulation is performed and a bandage is applied.

Lasers. A way without blood and without pain. There is still a crust at the place where it is removed, under which the healing process takes place. The disadvantage is the appearance of the scars.

Electrocoagulation

. The procedure is largely similar to the previous two in terms of efficiency, costs and effects of effects.

Cryodestruction. Treat any kind of growth with liquid nitrogen. After freezing, the skin rejects them. Due to affordable price, lack of blood, scarring this method is the most attractive.

Surgical Excision. It is rarely done, but according to indications in case of suspicion there is a likelihood of developing oncology. The growths are excised with a scalpel.

Systemic treatment of papillomavirus virus helps to strengthen the immune system, reduce the concentration of the agent's DNA in the blood and prevent the development of malicious processes.

Prescribes pills for this purpose:

;
;
.

The duration of the course of treatment is 10-14 days. If you have a permanent sexual partner, you need to convince him to undergo an examination and start therapy. You should also not get rid of the growths yourself.

Preventive measures

Because human papillomavirus virus spreads easily among people of all ages, there is no guaranteed way to protect against its penetration. As patient reviews show, vaccination is a reliable option to prevent infection.

prevention of human papillomavirus virus

Modern medicine offers a special serum as a preventive measure. The drugs are produced in suspension form, in disposable syringes, 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, are subject to immunization. The body absorbs serum well.

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

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

careful monitoring of personal hygiene;
;
strengthen immunity by playing sports;
only practices protected sex, avoid casual relationships;
go carefully with sexual partner choice;
for screening by a gynecologist, venereologist.

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

Conclusion

HPV is the most common infection that no one can defend against. To prevent the activation of the virus, preventive measures must be followed, and to examine the risk of developing oncology, undergo timely scheduled examinations and consult specialists.