Human papilloma virus

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a highly human-specific infection of the Papovaviridea family, which has the ability to infect and transform epithelial cells.More than one hundred types of HPV have been identified, of which 35 infect the human urogenital tract, causing damage to the integumentary epithelium of the skin and the mucous membranes of the genital organs.

One in six people is a carrier of the papillomavirus - this is indicated in the WHO data.The infection caused by the papilloma virus is represented by warts (condylomata) and belongs to the group of viral infectious diseases characterized by the appearance of papillomatous formations on the skin and mucous membranes.HPV is characterized by its chronic form with constant relapses.

Reasons

Why does human papillomavirus develop and what is it?The causative agent is a virus that affects the upper layer of the skin and the mucous membranes of the genital organs.The transmission of these viruses is only possible from person to person;the infection occurs through contact with the skin or mucous membranes of a sick person.

Human papillomavirus infection can occur:

1. During sexual intercourse.According to the International Medical Association, papillomavirus is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases, accounting for more than 60% of cases.
2. At birth.The infection can be transmitted at birth from mother to newborn, which subsequently leads to papillomavirus infection or laryngeal papillomatosis.
3. With self-inoculation.Self-infection can occur if basic hygiene rules are not followed: hair removal or shaving.
4. By everyday means.Human papillomavirus has high survivability and can survive for a long time in the warm and humid environment of public places, such as toilets, bathrooms, gyms and swimming pools.Infection occurs through various skin lesions directly through contact, the use of personal hygiene items or in public places.

Different types of HPV cause or are involved in the development of:

• cervical dysplasia (62%);
• pre-invasive and invasive cervical cancer (38%);
• genital warts, urinary tract (51%);
• 10% of clinically healthy women are carriers of HPV;
• In 85% of patients with genital warts typical of the external genitalia, the examination reveals additional foci of HPV infection of the vagina and cervix in severe and mild forms.

These data allow us to consider patients with human papillomavirus infections of the genital tract as a group at high risk of developing cervical intraepithelial carcinoma.

Classification

The following classification applies:

1. HPV, the manifestation of which are various types of warts (HPV 1-5):
2. Plantar warts (appearance resembles a callus), these are HPV types 1-4;
3. Flat warts are HPV types 3, 10, 28, 49;
4. Common warts are HPV type 27.
5. The types of HPV that affect the vulva, vagina, genitals, cervix and respiratory tract are HPV types 6, 11, 13, 16, 18, 31, 33, 35.
6. HPV, the lesion of which in the form of skin rashes is associated with the condition of a precancerous disease (high oncogenic risk HPV), is HPV 39 and other types.

As you can see, these benign neoplasms can form on any part of the body:

• neck;
• face;
• under the breast;
• under the armpits;
• on the genitals;
• on the mucous membranes of the internal organs, oral and nasal cavities.

The need to treat human papillomavirus is due to the following fact.The strain is an intracellular parasite incapable of reproducing autonomously.For these purposes it uses cells from the human body.The virus can parasitize for quite a long time, introducing its DNA into human chromosomes.Its noticeable activation is observed against the background of reduced immunity.

Incubation period

The incubation period is long: from half a month to several years.Human papillomavirus infection is characterized by a hidden (latent) course.A person can be infected with several types of papillomaviruses at once.Under the influence of various factors, the virus becomes activated, its reproduction increases, and the disease enters the stage of clinical manifestations.

In most cases (up to 90%) self-healing occurs within 6-12 months, in other cases a long-term chronic relapsing course is observed with possible malignancy of the process (depending on the type of virus).

Symptoms of human papillomavirus

The human immune system is strong enough to defeat the virus at an early stage of its development.And in most cases the disease does not develop.However, over time, months, years, or even decades, people may experience some symptoms of HPV infection.

There are several groups of diseases most often caused by HPV:

1. WartsThey are rounded growths, more rigid than the body, with a diameter of 2 mm to 1 cm.The borders of the warts are very clearly defined and irregularly shaped warts are found.They are rough to the touch and can be of different colors.Most often they form in places where the skin is most damaged: on the hands, knees or elbows.
2. Plantar warts.They develop when infected with type 1 and 2 viruses in those places where shoes rub or press on the feet.The skin at the site of the wart becomes thicker, and the warts do not have clear boundaries.
3. Condylomata acuminata– particular warts that appear, as a rule, on the mucous membranes and skin of the genital organs: the head of the penis and the skin of the foreskin in men, the skin of the lips in women.They can also appear in the bladder, urethra, cervix, vagina, skin around the anus, and mouth.Externally, these genital warts look like small convex formations, their edges are uneven (they look like cauliflower).This disease is caused by human papillomavirus types 6 and 11.
4. Bowenoid papulosis.Small flat plaques appear around the genitals (somewhat similar to flat warts).It develops more often in men who constantly change sexual partners.Named by type: 16, 18, 31, 33, 42, 48, 51, 54.

Any viral infection that is constantly present in the human body (and HPV is one of them) is activated only when immunity decreases.

Human papillomavirus: photo

To find out what the human papillomavirus looks like in various manifestations, we have prepared a photo.

Symptoms of human papillomavirus in women

The infection can occur in a latent form or can cause the development of genital papillomas.Genital warts are mainly seen in women between the ages of 15 and 30.

The main danger of developing a disease caused by types 16 and 18 is the development of cervical cancer.Cervical cancer reduces life expectancy by an average of 26 years.From the point of view of cancer development, only the virus that remains in the body for more than one year becomes dangerous.

Unfortunately, these diseases in women are often asymptomatic until the final stages, in which the effectiveness of treatment is significantly reduced.

Symptoms of human papillomavirus in men

For men, human papillomavirus is less dangerous than for women.Very often they are passive carriers.The chance of developing cancer is much lower.

HPV in men can cause genital warts to appear on the foreskin, glans, or frenulum.Such formations must be urgently removed, as they interfere not only with personal hygiene, but also with sexual activity.

Prevention

We list the main indications for the prevention of human papillomavirus infection:

• personal hygiene measures in public places;
• a healthy lifestyle that maintains immunity at a high level;
• correct work and rest schedule;
• moderate physical training;
• take vitamins, fruit, juices;
• only one sexual partner (ideally);
• use a condom during sexual intercourse.

There are currently vaccinations against human papillomavirus.

Treatment of human papillomavirus

Currently, there is not a single antiviral drug that can cause the disappearance of the human papillomavirus from the body.

Various interferons and interferons can reduce existing warts, but do not reduce the frequency of the formation of new ones.Therefore, the main method of treating human papillomavirus remains the removal of warts by chemical or surgical methods.

Here are the main methods for removing papilloma tissue:

1. Radiosurgery.The radio wave electrode cuts the tumor and coagulates the vessels.An antiseptic bandage is therefore necessary.
2. Laser.Contactless and bloodless method.At the site of the removed papilloma, a scab remains, under which healing proceeds.Disadvantages: risk of recurrence, high cost, need to polish remaining scars.
3. Electrocoagulation.In terms of efficiency, results and prices, the method is similar to the previous two methods.
4. Surgical.This is an operation under local anesthesia.

Before starting treatment, be sure to ask your doctor:

1. What treatments are available at the clinic where you are being treated?
2. How much does each type of treatment cost and what are the possible complications?
3. Will the surgery be painful?

It should be emphasized that the removal of papillomas should not be considered a complete cure for human papillomavirus infection, since in this case the person does not cease to be a carrier of the virus, that is, papillary polyps can reappear within several years.That is why, for the purposes of prevention, doctors recommend improving the health of the entire organism as a whole.

Cryocoagulation

Cryocoagulation (cauterization with liquid nitrogen) is a quick and effective method of treating genital warts.The procedure can be slightly painful and unpleasant, but is rarely very uncomfortable for patients.

Cryocoagulation of warts is performed in several sessions over several weeks.Complete elimination of warts is observed in 75-80% of patients undergoing all procedures.

Recommendations for patients

You should not try to diagnose and treat human papillomavirus on your own.

1. First you need to choose the right method.
2. Secondly, there is always a risk of confusing genital warts with a malignant tumor.

It is better not to take risks and entrust your health to professionals - this will guarantee you a long and happy sex life.Sexual activity during the period of treatment for papillomavirus is stopped until complete recovery.It is necessary to examine and, if necessary, treat the partner.