Many infections do not cause symptoms in healthy people.The immune system suppresses the activity of the virus, resulting in a person becoming an infection.At the same time, the transmission of pathogens 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 the significant spread of the disease: patients do not undergo time examinations and continue to infect other people unconsciously.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) virus can be called an excellent example of a hidden infectious agent.Most people become infected with at least one type of HPV throughout their lives, but the clinical manifestations of the disease are not found in all cases.Doctors attribute an increased risk of the 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.Themed 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 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 human area, the genitals of the oral cavity and throat.In some cases, the pointed papillomas are formed in non -specific places, such as the skin of the lower and upper limbs.The location of the warts depends on the type of HPV.In most people, the infection leads to hidden transportation of infection, but 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 of the body.
HPV infection is the most common sexually transmitted disease.Such an indicator can be explained by the high virus virulence and the asymptomatic flow of pathology in most people.Using condoms does not always avoid the infection, so the patient can continue to spread the virus even with protected sexual intercourse.At the same time, experts have developed effective vaccines that prevent the development of oncogenic HPV.Immunization is shown to adolescence girls, as protection against the virus must be planted 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 only show their activity after introducing into the cell and incorporating their own genetic information into the core.The affected cell then begins to synthesize the proteins needed to assemble viral particles.Almost all representatives of the Papillomavirus family attack only one type of organism and HPV infection can only occur in humans.
Scientists know more than 600 strains (species) of the human papillomavirus, which are distinguished by genetic information.40 species 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 the strains is of important clinical importance.So, cervical cancer in women is most often found with HPV 16 and 18 invasion. These infectious agents do not always manifest from changes in the skin.
HPV is striking in the basal layer of epithelium.The pathogen may exist in the form of an episome that is not associated with cellular DNA, or an integrated form associated with cell genome.This 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 malignant tissue degeneration, but the transport of the virus increases the risk of risk factors for cancer.
Methods of infection
The virus is found in basal epithelial cells, so every microtrauma of the skin and mucous membranes increases the risk of infection.In most cases, HPV is transmitted with vaginal, anal or oral sexual contact.The condom can only be secured from the part of the skin surface, but viral particles can still penetrate the body through other coatings.The presence of genital warts predisposes to the transmission of a pathogen, but external intact skin of the disease carrier is also a source of HPV.
Other roads to transmit
- Infection of the child at birth.Children most often occur the respiratory tract damage
- An independent transfer of the virus from one part of the body to another
- The general use of personal hygiene items including razors, toothbrushes and towels
- Blood transfusion.Recent studies have confirmed the possibility of transfusion infection.
- Surgical interventions in non -sterile conditions
Despite the various causes of viral invasion, only the sexual pathway of HPV infection is clinical.Other sources of infection are characterized by a low risk of pathogen.
Risk factors
In addition to direct ways to transmit HPV, it is also necessary to take into account the role of risk factors.We are talking about the characteristics of the human way of life and certain physical states.
Main risk factors for infection
- A large number of sexual partners.Even with safe sex, active sex life sooner or later leads to infection.
- Age.In most cases, genital warts are found in adolescents and young patients, while the warts of the oral cavity and the respiratory system are characteristic of children.
- Weakened immune system.Patients suffering from HIV infection or acquired immunodeficiency are a strong risk of viral invasion.Also, HPV is more often symptomatic after organ transplantation.
- Damage to the skin and mucous membranes.Microtraumas facilitate the penetration of the virus into the basal layer of the epithelium.
- Smoking and alcoholism.Bad habits weaken the activity of immunity.
- Venetic infections.
In addition, pregnant women are included in the risk of infection.It should be remembered that eliminating the factors of predisposition to the disease is an effective preventive tactic.
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 spontaneous elimination of the pathogen does not always occur.One can be both infected with several strains of the virus.Signs of HPV infection occur when exposed to adverse factors that weaken the immune defenses of tissues.Due to the recurring course, the warting periodically disappears and is formed again.Oncological complications of infection can develop for several decades.
Possible consequences of the disease:
- Cervical carcinoma - a malignant neoplasm of epithelial tissue.This type of oncology is related only to the human papillomavirus.With timely vaccination, the risk of oncogenesis decreases.
- Plant cell carcinoma of the anal opening.Such a complication can happen in men and women.Early symptoms of anus cancer include bleeding and itching of the skin.
- Violation of urination due to obstruction of the urethra through the wart.
- Malignant rebirth of warts in the throat and oral cavity.
Cervical cancer is one of the most common causes of women's death.Because this disease is associated with a viral invasion, regular examinations are required to a gynecologist.Modern vaccines protect women from the most oncogenic HPV species.
Diagnostics
Gynecologists, urologists, venereologists and dermatologists are involved in a study by Condil.During the initial appointment, the doctor will ask the patient for complaints, collect history data and check the skin entities.Usually HPV manifestations are easily identified, but other diseases must be excluded.For this, the specialist will prescribe instrumental and laboratory tests.
The required diagnostic methods:
- Instrumental examination of the vagina and cervix (colposcopy).Such a study is necessarily conducted for screening of cervical carcinoma.During the study, the doctor may detect numerous papillomas and areas of epithelial dysplasia.
- Biopsy - obtaining tissue material in the area of the skin or mucous membranes.A cytological study of the sample allows you to identify malignant cells.
- Polymerase chain reaction - detection of HPV viral particles in the body.Conducting this test allows the doctor to determine the pathogenic strain and viral load.
- Digene Test is a highly precise detection of DNA of oncogenic strains of the human papillomavirus.The study is used as a reliable screening.
Medication
Developed preparations against HPV infection can only eliminate the symptoms of the disease and prevent tissue malformations.Complete elimination of the virus with the help of drug therapy is impossible.Oral and local agents are prescribed in the event of a high risk of oncogenesis, immunodeficiency and other adverse conditions.If the virus does not occur with external changes, generally common preventive measures.
Possible meetings
- Salicylic acid to remove warts.It is not used to treat the skin of the face and genitals.
- Creams and ointments containing immunomodulatory agents.
- Narcasian - ointment with cytostatic effect.The administration of the drug on the affected skin leads to the destruction of pathogenic elements.
- Trichlooro -spacic acid for chemical cauterization of common and genital warts.It can cause a local section.
The drugs listed should only be used in medical control.After removing warts, HPV infection can manifest itself again and even spread to other areas.
Surgical treatment
The doctor may offer the patient surgically and minimally invasive methods for removing warts.Usually such methods do not cause complications, but in the first days after the intervention, tissue bleeding may occur.
Types of intervention:
- ordinary surgical excision;
- freezing with liquid nitrogen, followed by the destruction of the affected tissues;
- electrical coagulation;
- removal of papillomas with laser;
- Using a wool "knife" radio.
All procedures are performed under local anesthesia.The specialist will choose the most condescending method for the treatment of warts.
Forecast
The course of papillomavirus infection depends on the patient's immune status and a specific viral strain.Approximately 30% of the population has a spontaneous elimination of the pathogen caused by active immunity.Symptomatic disease is often manifested in pregnant women, children, elderly and patients with immunodeficiency.
HPV infection is characterized by a recurrent course.The papillomas formed can gradually disappear or spread to adjacent skin.Oncogenic strains of the virus most often affect the mucous membrane of the cervix, and the resulting epithelial dysplasia enhances the effect of the 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 species.If vaccination is performed at an early age until the first sexual contact, the risk of subsequent development of cervical cancer in a woman does not exceed 1%.
Additional prevention:
- use of condoms;
- sexual contact with reliable partners only;
- diligent personal hygiene;
- Gynecological examination at least once a year.