At the beginning of the last century, human papillomavirus was cited as a cause of warts. But it was later discovered that it can cause the development of genital cancer in both sexes and cancer of the throat and rectum. Depending on the spectrum of clinical manifestations, physicians were able to isolate different types of HPV and combine them into a specific system.
Everything you need to know about human papillomavirus
More and more people are wondering: HPV infection - what is it? This abbreviation stands for a group of viruses that are widespread and different in their DNA structure and can infect skin and mucous membranes. Infection with this substance has been going on for a long time. So, warts have been known since Greek and Roman times and warts in the birthplace even earlier. The PCR method even succeeded in isolating type 18 HPV DNA from the mummy of Mary of Aragon (XVI century). And only at the beginning of the XXI century it became possible to influence the spread of pathogens.
Classification Principles
There are several opinions regarding the number of HPV types. It is officially confirmed that the group contains more than 170 strains. They are 5 genera, with about 130 drugs described and carefully studied. But scientists already know about 600 species found in humans.
HPV as a single species was first recorded in 1971. To date, knowledge of it has been greatly enriched which served as an incentive to create a classification that reflects not only the species but also the genus to which the strain belongs. In practice, this is very important as it helps to determine the clinical manifestations and form of the infection.
Virus species are classified according to the following criteria:
- transfer method;
- targets (skin or mucous membranes);
- infectious diseases;
- stage of carcinogenicity.
Carcinogenicity classification is necessary to prevent the consequences of developing carcinogenic processes.
HPV types:
- low risk - strains 6, 12, 14, 42-44;
- average risk - types 31, 35, 51;
- High Risk - 16, 18, 45, 56, 58, 59.
This classification allows you to visually assess the level of risk and develop an adequate treatment strategy.
Most dangerous species
It has been shown that HPV can cause overgrowth of the skin and lead to the formation of benign images on the face, neck, back, abdomen, each of which looks like a wart, papilloma, veruciform dysplasia. However, in the vast majority of cases, the very carcinogenic pathogen causes the development of oncology in both men and women. The virus is transmitted primarily through sexual contact and barrier contraception cannot provide 100% penetration protection.
The following strains are considered most dangerous:
- Condylomatosis (appearance of growth points) - 6, 42.
- Small flat formations forming on 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 to know!Even after detecting a type of virus, you should not despair, as the most malignant strains can be in a "dormant" state for a long time. Therefore, it can take decades from infection to the development of cervical cancer.
Penetration of the virus into the body
Papillomavirus is considered highly contagious, as each species can be infected by a specific method.
The main options for the transmission of pathogens in the "victim"'s body are as follows:
- Sexual contact with the carrier of the virus. The most common method of infection. The danger is represented by both traditional and other types of intercourse. Because the bacterium is much smaller than the pore diameter of the condom, contraception cannot provide 100% protection.
- A vertical type of infection involves the mother infecting the baby during childbirth. A non-cellular substance can cause the appearance of larynx in newborns, that is, the growth of mucous membranes in the larynx and mouth, less often on the genitals.
- Infections and infections in the home are also considered common. Some strains are prominent for their vitality, so they can maintain their activity in a humid environment. When you visit saunas, swimming pools, baths, when you share personal hygiene items, the risk of infection increases, especially if there is invisible micro-damage to the skin.
- Self-accumulation or self-infection can occur when live virus cells are accidentally transferred from a damaged area to a healthy part of the skin during shaving, peeling and simply do not follow hygiene rules.
Important to know!The cause of high cancer risk is transmitted mainly through sexual contact, and contraceptive contraception does not guarantee complete protection against infection. This is due not only to the small size of the virus, but also to its location on the surface of the skin, which is not covered with a condom.
Causes of progressive papillomatosis
Whatever the carcinogenic effect, HPV is characterized by harmful effects, that is, being able to live in the human body without showing itself in any way. The breeding season can last from 2-3 weeks up to several decades, depending on the state of the immune system. As a result, people who do not have external signs are not even aware of the presence of infectious agents in their bodies.
Rapid reproduction does not begin immediately, but only under favorable conditions, e. g. e. weakening of the defense equipment, which occurs on the basis of the following factors:
- stress, too much work;
- poor and monotonous food;
- hormonal imbalance;
- bad habits - tobacco smoking and alcohol abuse;
- frequent abortions, postpartum complications;
- inflammatory and infectious diseases of the genitals;
- sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS, HIV, herpes;
- chronic acute diseases;
- gestation period.
The risk group consists mainly of the fairer sex. The risk of infection increases in people of reproductive age 20-45 who are sexually active.
Symptoms at different levels
Papillomavirus infection in humans may be prominent or latent or subclinical. The symptoms of the disease vary, caused by the type of HPV, its risk. The latent course of the disease is characterized by a lack of signs.
External label:
- papillomas;
- flat and rude warts;
- genital warts.
Forms not visible on external inspection:
- dyskeratosis;
- coylocytosis;
- urinary incontinence.
Papillomavirus recurrence occurs in the form of the following pathology:
- dyskeratosis with mild epithelial changes;
- dysplasia itself;
- cancerous tumors;
- squamous cell carcinoma.
Important to know!In the case of a non-carcinogenic virus, the formation of warts on the palms, soles of the feet is possible. If there is no discomfort in cosmetics, there is no indication of removal.
When aggravated, a woman develops fever, chills, itching, fever, vaginal discharge.
More on the consequences
The type and severity of HPV infection depends on the activity and type of bacterium. When the genotype affects a high carcinogenic risk, long-term replication contributes to the proliferation of cell structures by genome modification.
With regard to bacterial vaginas, the transformation of the cervical epithelium, as well as a number of other pathological processes that take place in the body, the risk of cancer or the development of a malignant tumor increases.
The latter contain the following states.
- Cervical cancer. The second disease after breast cancer in women. More than 70% of all cases are due to the activity of HPV types 16 and 18.
- Vaginal and vaginal cancer. In the development of cancerous diseases in the gamete region, it occupies a leading place. Every tenth case is caused by strain 6 or 11 with low carcinogenicity and one third of all diseases are caused by viruses 16 and 18.
- Anal cancer. It is mainly diagnosed in women, but it is also recorded in homosexual men who engage in unconventional sexual practices, although doctors do not rule out other means of transmission. The cause of oncology is the activity of HPV types 18 and 16.
Of course, this is not a judgment, but in connection with this data, the need for detailed gynecological and cancer diagnoses is increasing. Comprehensive research makes it possible to detect early-stage changes in cells and tissues, which, in the case of human papillomavirus, help to determine how to treat it properly.
Analytical Methods
As mentioned before, diagnostic procedures play an important role in the body's defeat of HPV infection.
Modern inspection is carried out with great care and involves several actions:
- The initial consultation involves a visual examination to identify external symptoms (warts, papillomas). If there is growth in the urinary tract, the doctor will direct the patient for an additional cervical examination or urinalysis.
- Pap smear or Pap smear. Based on the results, which are divided into categories, the doctor determines the risk of the infection process. So 1 and 2 degrees indicate the normal state of tissues, 3 - about the onset of pathological changes, 4 and 5 classes characterize the presence of carcinogenic cells.
- Colposcopy. It is performed in the case of dysplastic changes in the tissues of the cervix. Acetic acid test is prescribed to explain the activity of the papilloma virus. A positive result appears as a mosaic pattern on the surface of the epithelium.
- Histology. An examination of a sample of the relevant tissue is performed if it is necessary to examine the cells and pathological changes that occur on them. During the procedure, the cover wall structure can be identified by a particularly large size.
- PCR. The most common and very informative test. With the help of the polymer chain reaction, it is possible to perform typing, determine the level of carcinogenic effects and the maximum concentration in the blood.
- Digene test. The modern innovation method makes it possible to clarify the available results and determine the probability of the formation of cancer education.
The same diagnostic methods are used for men. After a visual inspection, he is sent for an examination. Only according to the results of the study is the specialist able to assess a complex clinical case and prescribe adequate treatment.
Treatment Methods
Today, there are no drugs that can completely and permanently destroy a viral infection in the body. If self-healing has not taken place, then the most promising integrated unified approach. HPV treatment involves surgery on papillomas or warts against the background of general treatment with drugs, homeopathic remedies and folk remedies. There are several ways to destroy growth.
Radioactive. The formation is cut out with a special knife, after which a solidification is made and a bandage is applied.
Laser. Bloodless and painless way. Crust remains at the transport site, where the healing process takes place. The disadvantage is the appearance of scars.
Electric coagulation. The procedure is largely similar to the previous two in terms of efficiency, cost and impact.
Cryodestruction. Treatment of any type of growth with liquid nitrogen. After freezing, they are rejected by the skin. Affordable price, lack of blood, scar makes this method the most attractive.
Surgery. It is very rarely performed, only according to the indications if the likelihood of developing oncology is suspected. The growth is cut down with a scalpel.
Papillomavirus system therapy helps to strengthen immunity, reduce the strength of the DNA agent in the blood and prevent the development of malignant processes.
Prescribes pills for this purpose:
- immune control;
- antiviral drugs;
- cytotoxic drugs.
The duration of treatment is 10-14 days. If you have a regular sexual partner, you must convince him to undergo an examination and start treatment. You should also not get rid of the growth yourself.
Prevention
Because human papillomavirus is easily spread among people of all ages, there is no guaranteed way to protect against its penetration. As can be seen from patient reviews, vaccination is a reliable way to prevent infection.
Modern medicine offers a special serum as a preventative. The drugs are produced in the form of a suspension, in single-use syringes, which facilitates the administration of the vaccine and minimizes the risk of infection. Girls and boys aged 9-14, as well as young women up to the age of 26, are subject to vaccination. Serum is well tolerated by the body.
Vaccination is for prophylactic purposes and cannot act as a medicine.
To minimize the risk of infection, you must follow simple tips.
- carefully monitors personal hygiene;
- get rid of bad habits;
- strengthen immunity through sport;
- practice only protected sex, avoid free relationships;
- approach the choice of roommate carefully;
- to be screened by a gynecologist, nephrologist.
Taking your health seriously helps you avoid infection, and if a virus gets in you will reduce the chances of it spreading.
Conclusion
HPV is the most common infection that no one can protect against. To prevent the activation of the virus, it is necessary to monitor preventive measures and to reduce the risk of receiving oncology treatment, go to scheduled examinations on time and consult with specialists.