Human papilloma virus

Human papilloma virus

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

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

More information on the disease

The human papilloma virus is the pathogen of the infection that affects the skin and mucous membranes of the 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 the throat.In some cases, pointed papillomas are formed in non -specific places, such as the skin of the lower and superior limbs.The location of warts depends on the type of HPV.In most people, the infection leads to a hidden transport 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 from its invasion to the body.

HPV infection is the most common sexual transmission disease.This indicator can be explained by the high virulence of the virus and by the asymptomatic flow of the 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 have developed effective vaccines that prevent the development of an oncogenic form of HPV.Immunization is shown to girls in adolescence, since the protection against the virus must be instilled before the first sexual contact.

Characteristics of the virus

The human papilloma virus is a pathogen containing DNA.Unlike bacteria and other microorganisms, viruses can show their activity only after introducing the cage and incorporating their genetic information into the nucleus.Subsequently, the cell concerned begins to synthesize the proteins necessary for the assembly of viral particles.Almost all representatives of the Papillomavirus family attack only one type of body and HPV infection can only occur in humans.

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

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

Methods of infection

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

Other transmission courses

  1. Child infection during childbirth.Children often occur defeats of the respiratory tract
  2. Independent transfer of the virus from one part of the body to the other
  3. The general use of personal hygiene objects, including razors, brushes and towels
  4. Blood transfusion.Recent studies have confirmed the possibility of transfusion infection.
  5. Surgical interventions in non -short 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 pathogens.

Risk factors

In addition to the direct ways of transmitting HPV, it is also necessary to take into account the role of risk factors.We are talking about the characteristics of a human lifestyle and some 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.In most cases, genital warts are detected in adolescents and young patients, while the condition of the oral cavity and the respiratory system are characteristic of children.
  3. Weakened immune system.Patients suffering from HIV infection or acquired immunodeficiency are strongly risk of viral invasion.In addition, the HPV occurs more often symptomatically after organ transplantation.
  4. Damage to the skin and mucous membranes.Microtrauma facilitate the penetration of the virus in the basal layer of epithelium.
  5. Smoking and alcoholism.Bad habits weaken the activity of immunity.
  6. Venetian infections.

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

Clinical picture of the papilloma

Clinical current

The incubation period preceding the symptomatic manifestations of the disease can last for several months or less.In immunocompetent patients, the body can destroy the infection during this period, but the spontaneous elimination of the pathogen does not always occur.A person can be simultaneously infected with several virus strains.The signs of HPV infection occur when exposed to adverse factors that weaken the immune protection of the fabrics.Due to the recurring path, the condition disappears periodically and is formed again.Oncological complications of infections can develop for several decades.

Possible consequences of the disease:

  1. Cervical carcinoma - evil neoplasm of the 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.This complication can occur in men and women.The first symptoms of anus cancer include bleeding and itching of the skin.
  3. Violation of the urination due to the obstruction of the urethra by the condition.
  4. Maligna 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 exams are needed in the gynecologist phase.Modern vaccines protect women from the most oncogenic types of HPV.

Diagnostics

Gynecologists, urologists, venereologists and dermatologists are engaged in the exam with the condition.During the initial appointment, the doctor will ask the patient for the complaints, collects anamnistic data and leads an inspection of the skin formations.Generally, the events of the HPV 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).This study is necessarily conducted for the screening of cervical cancer.During the exam, the doctor can detect more papillomas and areas of epithelial dysplasia.
  2. Biopsy - Get tissue material in the area of skin or mucous changes.A cytological study of the sample allows you to identify malignant cells.
  3. Polyimerase chain reaction - HPV viral particle detection in the body.The conduct of this test offers the doctor the opportunity to determine the deformation of the pathogen and the viral charge.
  4. The Digen Test is a high precision detection of the DNA of the oncogenic strains of the human papilloma virus.The study is used as a reliable screening.
In addition to these studies, the doctor will recommend the patient to test for other infectious diseases, including HIV and Syphilis.

Pharmacological treatment

The preparations developed against HPV infection cannot only eliminate the symptoms of the disease and prevent tissue malformations.The complete elimination of the virus by 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 elaborate the skin of the face and genitals.
  2. Cream and ointments containing immunomodulants.
  3. Podophile - An ointment with a cytostatic effect.The application of medicine to the affected skin leads to the destruction of pathogenic elements.
  4. Trichlooroxic acid for chemical cauterization of general and genital warts.Can cause local section.

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

Surgical treatment

Papilloma surgical treatment

The doctor can offer the patient's surgical and minimally invasive methods to remove warts.Generally, these methods do not cause complications, but in the first days after the intervention, fabric bleeding may occur.

Types of intervention:

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

All procedures are performed under local anesthesia.The specialist will select the safest method for the treatment of Condil.

Forecast

The course of Papillomavirus infection depends on the patient's immune state and a specific virus strain.About 30% of the population has the spontaneous elimination of the pathogen caused by active immunity.Symptomically the disease often manifests itself in pregnant women, children, the elderly and patients with immunodeficiency.

HPV infection is characterized by a recurring course.The formed papillomas can gradually disappear or spread to the nearby skin.The oncogenic strains of the virus more often influence the mucous membrane of the cervix and the resulting epithelial dysplasia improves the effect of the risk factors of the degeneration of the evil tissue, such as smoking and the use of oral contraceptives.The tumor can form 10-20 years after the invasion of the virus in the body.

Prevention

The most reliable prevention method is early immunization.The Gardasil vaccine, containing viral proteins and auxiliary components, is effective against the types of HPV 6, 11, 16 and 18. If the vaccination is carried out at an early age up to 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. In -depth personal hygiene;
  4. Gynecological examination at least once a year.