Papillomavirus infection (PVI) - belongs to the group of anthroponotic pathogens (transmitted exclusively from person to person).
The route of infection is determined by several options for the development of events: through sexual contact, through blood, through household funds (with a latent form of the disease - "warts").
methods of infection
As mentioned above, there are only three main ways of contagion - through sexual contact, through blood, through household means.
HPV penetrate the protective barrier of the skin, mucous membranes and circulatory system and have an extremely negative effect on the patient's health.
Typically, a person experiences:
- constant weakness.
- Feeling of nausea, feeling of heaviness in the hypochondrium.
- pain syndrome.
- Problems with the urinary and reproductive systems (difficulty urinating, the appearance of sharp paroxysmal pain in the perineum).
- Burning sensation in the groin.
- Dizziness against a background of frequent increases in body temperature.
- A general decrease in the protective functions of the body (frequent colds, a long period of recovery after an illness).
- Skin itching, which is accompanied by the appearance of papillomas.
In order to detect the presence of a viral infection and consult a doctor in a timely manner, it is necessary to take into account the prerequisites for the occurrence of this disease.
conditions for infection
The most common conditions for the occurrence of HPV include:
- weakened immunity.
- The presence of other chronic diseases that undermine the body's resistance to all kinds of external attacks.
- We are talking about hepatitis, human immunodeficiency (HIV), cardiovascular diseases, genetic abnormalities, rare hereditary forms of the disease.
- Promiscuous sexual relationships.
- Unprotected sexual contact.
- Infection through a loved one in everyday life: when using dishes, bedding, towels, with a kiss, hugs.
- Use of public cultural and recreational facilities.
- Visiting beauty salons.
- Sharing personal items: combs, manicure accessories.
Important!
Timely vaccination protects against the most aggressive types of the virus.
transmission paths
The papillomavirus is transmitted by physical contact, transplacental (grafted from infected surfaces), with the help of cerebrospinal fluid (blood, saliva, sweat).
Therefore, if there is a sick person in the family, it is necessary to constantly treat all surfaces with a special antiseptic, observe strict rules for personal contacts and monitor the condition of the skin (even microcracks can become the initial area of damage).
Can HPV be transmitted through household contact?
Papillomavirus infection is perfectly transmitted through ordinary objects, as well as through saliva. This should not be forgotten if there is a sick person in the house.
Distribution Mechanism:
- kissing, hugging. PVI is passed from one person to another through saliva and sweat. This is possible because the virus moves freely through the mucous membranes, is present in saliva and in the cerebrospinal fluid.
- When using the patient's personal hygiene items.
- When shaking hands. Skin microtraumas can be excellent vectors of infection.
- When using shared utensils.
- When transferring objects, items from an infected person to a healthy person (this type of infection is very resistant to the influence of environmental factors).
Can HPV be sexually transmitted?
Since the mucous membranes, skin and their derivatives (secretion, blood vessels, saliva) are carriers of genetic material, it is possible to become infected with human papillomavirus through sexual contact; as well as when using public baths, saunas.
Transmission Mechanism:
- Directly during sexual contact (this applies in particular to oral and anal sex).
- When using shared showers, bathrooms, saunas. Without proper antiseptic and antibacterial treatment, such places are breeding grounds for all sorts of infections.
- When using a partner's underwear and clothes (especially for women who like to wear men's shirts, T-shirts, shorts, family shorts).
Is the virus transmitted from mother to child?
The transmission of infection from mother to child is called the "vertical transplantation route". This type of papillomavirus transmission is one of the most dangerous, as it damages the child's body and mind.
After HPV disease, especially in the early stages (1st trimester), doctors insist on an abortion for medical reasons.
auto infection
Self-infection is only possible if untreated hygiene items are used. For example: razors, toothbrushes, nail scissors and similar items.
With this form of transmission of the papillomavirus, the patient does not feel any discomfort for a long time and leads a normal life. And when the first symptoms of the disease appear (which are very similar to a banal overwork), he ignores them without going to the doctor.
Which HPV types are the most dangerous?
The most dangerous types of human papillomavirus (HPV) include types 16 and 18. They have strains that provoke the appearance of malignant neoplasms - cancerous tumors that, growing, can metastasize.
The most common manifestation of exposure to a virus strain is the occurrence of diseases such as: cervical cancer, infertility, lung and bronchial changes, acute lack of immunoglobulins.
Note! Cervical cancer can only occur due to the most aggressive form of the virus. Most papillomas are not dangerous.
diagnosis
To detect the presence of the human papillomavirus (HPV) in the body, some of the most complex hardware techniques will help.
- colposcopy. A colposcope is a medical device that allows you to accurately determine changes in the mucous membranes of the genitourinary system: to detect inflammation, damage and the spread of viruses and fungal bacteria. Its use to detect the presence of HPV in the body is intended to definitively confirm the diagnosis. This device is able to: find the source of inflammation under 30x magnification, determine its nature, make a scraping directly in the affected area.
- PCR examination. This laboratory method is a differential diagnosis of this type of disease. PCR makes it difficult to determine the type of virus, but also the route of infection. This analysis requires the collection of biomaterial: blood, urine, semen.
- Digene test. A modern diagnostic technique based on separating a small area of affected skin for examination. With this approach, medical professionals can say 100% exactly what type of virus is present in the body, what its concentration is, whether it is a reactive form, and to which antiviral drugs it is sensitive.
- Cytology. It is an examination of the problem at the cellular level. To do this, the upper layer of the papilloma is removed, a separate section of the mucous membrane is taken. With the help of a high-power microscope and a basic set of reagents, laboratory assistants study the behavior of the virus, its effect on the body (making a prognosis), and the degree of damage to the internal systems of the body.
- Histological diagnosis. The purpose of this technique is to study morphological changes in tissues. Material for the study is taken with a biopsy.
treatment
Treatment of the human papillomavirus includes strict observance of sexual abstinence, the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, immunomodulatory drugs, vitamin complexes and drugs to reduce the effect of the virus on the body.
They should also restrict healthy people's access to personal items, toiletries, dishes and bedding. When malignant neoplasms caused by a virus appear, corrective treatment or surgical intervention is carried out with a long rehabilitation period.
Ways to prevent the disease
The main ways to prevent HPV are:
- Compliance with the rules of sanitary and domestic provision of housing.
- The use of contraceptives.
- Control of your own state of health by specialized specialists.
- The use of personal care products only for the intended purpose, without giving them to third parties.
- No travel to places with an increased risk of infection: baths, saunas, swimming pools, adventure pools, massage and beauty salons.
- Protection of the skin from interactions with a variety of external factors.
- Protection of one's health by isolating people suffering from infectious, viral and skin diseases.
It is simply impossible to cope with a complex viral infection on your own. Medical control, timely call for qualified help to a wide group of specialists will be the very first and most serious step in solving the existing problem.
When such a problem occurs, one of the family members should immediately undergo routine diagnostics and follow all doctor's orders to avoid spreading the virus. In addition, we should not forget about the precautionary measures that will help prevent infection.