Human papilloma viruses

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

WHO data suggests that one in six people is a carrier of the papilloma virus.An infection caused by the papilloma virus is the formation of warts (condylomas) and belongs to the group of viral infectious diseases, which are characterized by the appearance of papillomatous formations on the skin and mucous membrane.HPV is characterized by its chronic form with constant relapses.

Reasons

Why does the human papillomavirus arise and what is it?The pathogen is a virus that affects the upper layer of skin and the mucous membranes of the sexual organs.Transmission of these viruses is only possible from person to person;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 from mother to newborn at birth, subsequently leading to papillomavirus infection or laryngeal papillomatosis.
3. With autoinoculation.If basic hygiene rules such as hair removal or shaving are not followed, self-infection can occur.
4. Using everyday means.The human papillomavirus is highly survivable and can survive for a long time in the warm, humid environment of public places such as toilets, bathrooms, gyms and swimming pools.Infection occurs through various skin lesions directly through contact, use of personal care items, or in public places.

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

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

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 is various types of warts (HPV 1-5):
2. Plantar warts (the 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. HPV types that affect the vulva, vagina, genitals, cervix, and respiratory tract include 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 lesion (HPV with high oncogenic risk), 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;
• in the armpits;
• on the genitals;
• on the mucous membranes of internal organs, mouth and nasal cavities.

The need for treatment of human papillomavirus is due to the following fact.The strain is an intracellular parasite that cannot reproduce independently.For this purpose it uses the cells of the human body.The virus can parasitize over a long period of time and introduce its own 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.Infection with the human papillomavirus is characterized by a hidden (latent) course.A person can become infected with several types of papillomavirus at the same time.Under the influence of various factors, the virus is 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 there is a long-term chronic-relapsing course 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, over months, years, or even decades, some symptoms of HPV infection may appear.

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

1. WartsThey are round growths that are stiffer than the body and range from 2 mm to 1 cm in diameter.The boundaries of the warts are very clearly defined and warts with an irregular shape occur.They feel rough and can be different colors.They most often occur in places where the skin is most damaged: on the hands, knees or elbows.
2. Plantar warts.They arise from an infection with viruses of types 1 and 2 in the areas 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. Condylomas acuminata– peculiar warts that usually appear on the mucous membranes and skin of the genital organs: the glans and the skin of the foreskin in men, the skin of the labia in women.They can also occur in the bladder, urethra, cervix, vagina, skin around the anus, and mouth.Externally, these genital warts look like small convex structures, their edges are uneven (they look like cauliflower).This disease is caused by human papillomavirus types 6 and 11.
4. Bowenoid papulosis.Small, flat warty plaques (similar to flat warts) form around the genitals.It occurs more often in men who constantly change sexual partners.Called by types – 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 weakens.

Human papillomavirus: photo

To find out what the human papilloma virus looks like in different manifestations, we have prepared a photo.

Symptoms of human papillomavirus in women

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

The main danger of developing disease caused by types 16 and 18 is the development of cervical cancer.Cervical cancer shortens 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 a year becomes dangerous.

Unfortunately, these diseases are often asymptomatic in women until the final stage, when the effectiveness of treatment decreases significantly.

Symptoms of human papillomavirus in men

The human papilloma virus is less dangerous for men than for women.Most of the time these are passive carriers.The likelihood of developing cancer is significantly lower.

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

Prevention

We list the main directions for preventing human papillomavirus infection:

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

There are currently vaccinations against the human papillomavirus.

Treatment of human papillomavirus

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

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

Here are the main methods of removing papilloma tissue:

1. Radiosurgical.The radio wave electrode cuts off the tumor and coagulates the vessels.Then an antiseptic bandage is required.
2. Laser.Contactless and bloodless method.At the site of the removed papilloma, a crust remains, under which healing occurs.Disadvantages: risk of relapse, 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 treatment options are available at the clinic where you are being treated?
2. How much does each treatment cost and what complications can occur?
3. Will the surgery be painful?

It must be emphasized that the removal of papillomas should not be considered a complete cure of human papillomavirus infection, since in this case the person does not cease to be a carrier of the virus, i.e.i.e. papillary polyps can appear again within a few years.That is why doctors recommend improving the health of the entire body for prevention.

Cryocoagulation

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

Cryocoagulation of condylomas is carried out in several sessions over several weeks.Complete elimination of condylomas is observed in 75-80% of patients who have undergone all procedures.

Recommendations for patients

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

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

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