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Human papilloma virus

Human papilloma virus

Many infections do not cause symptoms in healthy people.The immune system suppresses the activity of the virus, as a result of which a person becomes a carrier of infection.At the same time, the transmission of pathogen other people occurs even with complete clinical well -being, since viral particles are contained in the patient’s biological fluids.The hidden course of infection can be the main cause of a significant spread of the disease: patients do not undergo examinations in a timely manner and continue to infect other people unconsciously.

The human papilloma virus (HPV) can be called an excellent example of a hidden infectious agent.Most people become infected with at least one type of HPV throughout life, but the clinical manifestations of the disease do not occur in all cases.Doctors attribute an increased risk of the formation of a malignant tumor to distant complications of infection.Moreover, patients suffering from immunodeficiency often have such a negative consequence of the disease.Topic drugs help to suppress the symptoms of HPV infection.Timely vaccination is also recommended.

More about the disease

The human papilloma virus is the pathogen of infection that affects the skin and mucous membranes of organs.The main manifestation of the disease is the growth of neoplasms in the area of the person, the genitals of the oral cavity and throat.In some cases, pointed papillomas are formed in non -specific places, such as the skin of the lower and upper limbs.The localization of warts depends on the type of HPV.In most people, infection leads to hidden carriage of infection, however, with a decrease in immunity, the virus begins to show its virulence.In some cases, immunocompetent cells independently destroy the pathogen within 3-6 months after its invasion to the body.

HPV infection is the most common sexually transmitted disease.Such an indicator can be explained by the high virulence of the virus and the asymptomatic flow of pathology in most people.The use of condoms does not always avoid infection, so the patient can continue to spread the virus even with protected sexual contacts.At the same time, experts developed effective vaccines that prevent the development of an oncogenic form of HPV.Immunization is shown to girls in adolescence, since protection against the virus must be instilled before the first sexual contact.

Features of the virus

The human papilloma virus is a DNA-containing pathogen.Unlike bacteria and other microorganisms, viruses can show their activity only after introducing into the cage and embedding their own genetic information into the core.After that, the affected cell begins to synthesize the proteins necessary for the assembly of viral particles.Almost all representatives of the papillomavirus family attack only one type of organism, and HPV infection can occur only in humans.

Scientists know more than 600 strains (types) of the human papilloma virus, which are distinguished by genetic information.40 types of HPV are caused by various forms of damage to the mucous membranes and skin.At the same time, the classification of the degree of oncogenicity of strains is of important clinical importance.So, cervical cancer in women most often occurs with invasion of HPV 16 and 18.These infectious agents are not always manifested by skin changes.

HPV is striking in the basal layer of epithelium.Pathogen can exist in the form of an episome that is not associated with cell DNA, or an integrated form associated with the cell genome.It is the integrated virus produces the necessary proteins and causes clinical manifestations of the disease.The life of HPV in the body is not a direct cause of malignant tissue degeneration, however, the carriage of the virus increases the danger of risk factors for cancer.

Methods of infection

The virus is found in basal epithelial cells, so any microtrauma of the skin and mucous membranes increase the risk of infection.In most cases, HPV is transmitted with vaginal, anal or oral sexual contact.The condom can only be secured by the part of the skin surface, however, viral particles can still penetrate the body through other covers.The presence of genital warts predisposes to the transmission of pathogen, but outwardly intact skin of the carrier of the disease is also a source of HPV.

Other transmission paths

  1. Infection of the child during childbirth.Children most often occur defeats of the respiratory tract
  2. Independent transfer of the virus from one part of the body to another
  3. The general use of personal hygiene items, including razors, toothbrushes and towels
  4. Blood transfusion.Recent studies have confirmed the possibility of transfusion infection.
  5. Surgical interventions in non -sterile conditions

Despite the various causes of viral invasion, only the sexual path of HPV infection is clinical.Other sources of infection are characterized by a low risk of pathogen.

Risk factors

In addition to the direct ways to transmit HPV, it is also necessary to take into account the role of risk factors.We are talking about the features of a human lifestyle and certain physical states.

Key risk factors for infection

  1. A large number of sexual partners.Even with safe sex, an active sex life sooner or later leads to infection.
  2. Age.Genital warts in most cases are detected in adolescents and young patients, while condylomas of the oral cavity and respiratory system are characteristic of children.
  3. Weakened immune system.Patients suffering from HIV infection or acquired immunodeficiency are highly risk of viral invasion.Also, HPV is more often manifested symptomatically after organs transplantation.
  4. Damage to the skin and mucous membranes.Microtraumas facilitate the penetration of the virus into the basal layer of epithelium.
  5. Smoking and alcoholism.Bad habits weaken the activity of immunity.
  6. Venate infections.

In addition, pregnant women are included in the risk of infection.It should be remembered that the elimination of predisposition factors to the disease is effective preventive tactics.

Clinical picture of papilloma

Clinical current

The incubation period preceding the symptomatic manifestations of the disease may last for several months or not.In immunocompetent patients, the body can destroy the infection during this time, but the spontaneous elimination of pathogen does not always occur.A person can be simultaneously infected with several strains of the virus.Signs of HPV infection occur when exposed to adverse factors weakening immune protection of tissues.Due to the recurrent course, condyloma periodically disappear and form again.Oncological complications of infections can develop for several decades.

Possible consequences of the disease:

  1. Cervical carcinoma - malignant neoplasm of epithelial tissue.This type of oncology is associated only with the human papilloma virus.With timely vaccination, the risk of oncogenesis decreases.
  2. Plant -cell carcinoma of the anal hole.Such a complication can occur in men and women.The early symptoms of the anus cancer include bleeding and skin itching.
  3. Violation of urination due to urethra obstruction by condyloma.
  4. Malignant rebirth of warts in the throat and oral cavity.

Cervical cancer is one of the most common causes of women's death.Since this disease is associated with viral invasion, regular undergoing examinations in a gynecologist is necessary.Modern vaccines protect women from the most oncogenic types of HPV.

Diagnostics

Gynecologists, urologists, venereologists and dermatologists are engaged in examination by condil.During the initial appointment, the doctor will ask the patient about complaints, collect anamnestic data and conduct an inspection of skin formations.Typically, HPV manifestations are easily identified, however, other diseases must be excluded.For this, the specialist will prescribe instrumental and laboratory research.

The necessary diagnostic methods:

  1. Instrumental examination of the vagina and cervix (colposcopy).Such a study is necessarily carried out for screening cervical carcinoma.During the examination, the doctor may detect multiple papillomas and areas of epithelial dysplasia.
  2. Biopsy - obtaining tissue material in the area of skin or mucous changes.A cytological study of the sample allows you to identify malignant cells.
  3. Polymerase chain reaction - the detection of HPV viral particles in the body.Conducting this test gives the doctor the opportunity to determine the pathogen strain and viral load.
  4. Digene test is a high-precision detection of DNA of oncogenic strains of the human papilloma virus.The study is used as reliable screening.
In addition to these studies, the doctor will recommend the patient to take tests for other infectious diseases, including HIV and syphilis.

Drug treatment

The developed preparations against HPV infection can only eliminate the symptoms of the disease and prevent tissue malformations.The complete elimination of the virus using drug therapy is impossible.Oral and topical agents are prescribed in case of high risk of oncogenesis, immunodeficiency and other adverse conditions.If the virus does not manifest itself with external changes, generally general preventive measures.

Possible appointments

  1. Salicylic acid to remove warts.It is not used to process the skin of the face and genitals.
  2. Creams and ointments containing immunomodulating agents.
  3. Podofilo - an ointment with a cytostatic effect.Applying the medicine to the affected skin leads to the destruction of pathogenic elements.
  4. Trichlooroxic acid for chemical cauterization of general and genital warts.It can cause local section.

The listed drugs should be used only under medical control.After removing warts, HPV infection can manifest itself again and even spread to other areas.

Surgical treatment

Surgical treatment of papilloma

The doctor can offer the patient surgical and minimally invasive methods of removing warts.Typically, such methods do not cause complications, but in the first days after the intervention, bleeding of tissues may occur.

Types of intervention:

  1. ordinary surgical excision;
  2. freezing with liquid nitrogen followed by destruction of affected tissues;
  3. electric coagulation;
  4. removal of papillomas with a laser.;
  5. Using a radio wave "knife".

All procedures are carried out under local anesthesia.The specialist will select the safest method for the treatment of condyl.

Forecast

The course of papillomavirus infection depends on the immune status of the patient and a specific virus strain.Approximately 30% of the population has spontaneous elimination of the pathogen caused by active immunity.Symptomatically the disease is often manifested in pregnant women, children, elderly people and patients with immunodeficiency.

HPV infection is characterized by a recurrent course.Formed papillomas can gradually disappear or spread to neighboring skin.Oncogenic strains of the virus most often affect the mucous membrane of the cervix, and the resulting epithelial dysplasia enhances the effect of risk factors of malignant tissue degeneration, such as smoking and the use of oral contraceptives.The tumor can form 10-20 years after the invasion of the virus into the body.

Prevention

The most reliable method of prevention is early immunization.The Gardasil vaccine, containing viral proteins and auxiliary components, is effective against HPV 6, 11, 16 and 18 types.If vaccination is carried out at an early age until the first sexual contact, the risk of the subsequent development of cervical cancer in a woman does not exceed 1%.

Additional prevention:

  1. use of condoms;
  2. sexual intercourse only with trusted partners;
  3. thorough personal hygiene;
  4. Gynecological examination at least once a year.