Many infections do not cause symptoms in healthy people. The immune system suppresses the activity of the virus, with the result that the person becomes a carrier of infection. In this case, transmission of the pathogen to other people happens even in case of complete clinical well-being, as the viral particles contained in the biological fluids of the patient. Latent period of infection phenomena can be the main reason for significant spread of the disease: patients time does not pass the examination and continue to infect other people unknowingly.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) can be called a great example of a latent infectious agent. The majority of people infected at least one type of HPV throughout their life, but clinical manifestations of the disease arise not in all cases. Yes long-term complications of the infection, the doctors will carry an increased risk of developing malignant tumors. In the patients, suffering from atopic dermatitis immunodeficiency, often there is a negative consequence of the disease. Topical medications help suppress the symptoms of HPV infection. It is also recommended to timely vaccination.
More information about the disease
The human papillomavirus phenomenon is the causative agent of infection that affects the skin and mucous membranes of organs. The main manifestation of the disease phenomenon is the growth of tumors on the face, genitals, mouth and throat. In some cases, genital papillomas are formed in non-specific areas, like the skin of the lower and upper extremities. Localization of warts depends on the ad type of HPV. In most people, the infection results in Yes, the hidden carriers of the disease, but by reducing the immunity of the virus begins to show its virulence. In some cases, immune cells destroy the pathogen independently in 3-6 months after its infestation in the body.
HPV infection phenomenon is the most common disease that is transmitted sexually. This figure may explain the high virulence of the virus and asymptomatic disease in most people. The use of condoms does not always prevent infection, so the patient can continue to spread the virus even when protected sexual contact. At the same time, experts have developed effective vaccines that prevent the development of oncogenic forms of HPV. Immunization shows girls in their Teens, because the protection of the ad virus should be inculcated and the first sexual contact.
Features of the virus
The human papillomavirus phenomenon is DNA-containing pathogens. In contrast to the hell of the bacteria and other microorganisms, viruses can be active only after the introduction into the cell and incorporate their own genetic information in the nucleus. After that the patient the cell starts to synthesize proteins required for the Assembly of viral particles. Almost all members of the family of papillomaviruses attack only one species of organisms, and HPV infection can only occur in humans.
Scientists know more than 600 strains (types) of human papillomavirus, which differ in genetic information. 40 types of HPV cause different forms of lesions of the mucous membranes and skin. An important clinical value may classification of the degree of oncogenetic strains. So, cancer of the cervix in women most often occurs during the invasion of HPV 16 and 18 types. These infectious agents do not always manifest themselves by skin changes.
HPV affects the basal layer of the epithelium. The pathogen can exist in the form episome not related to the cellular DNA, or an integrated form that is associated with the cell's genome. It is the integrated virus produces the necessary proteins and cause clinical manifestations of the disease. The activity of HPV in the body phenomenon is the direct cause of malignant transformation of tissues, but the carriers of the virus increase the risk factors of cancer risk.
Methods of infection
The virus is found in the basal cells of the epithelium, so any microtrauma of the skin and mucous membranes increase the risk of infection. In most cases, HPV is transmitted during vaginal, anal, or oral sexual contact. A condom can protect only a part of the skin surface, however, virus particles can still enter the body through other tissues. Genital warts declines and transmission of the pathogen, but apparently intact skin of the carrier of the disease also, the phenomenon is the source of HPV.
Other ways of transmission
- Infection of baby during childbirth. Children often have respiratory tract
- Independent transfer of the virus from one body part to another
- Shared use of personal hygiene items, including razors, toothbrushes and towels
- A blood transfusion. Recent studies have confirmed the possibility of transfusion of infection.
- Surgery in unsterile conditions
Despite the variety of causes of viral invasion, only sexual transmission of HPV may clinical significance. Other sources of infection are characterized by a low risk of spread of the pathogen.
Risk factors
In addition to direct modes of transmission of HPV, one must also consider the role of risk factors. We are talking about features of a person's lifestyle and certain physical conditions.
Key risk factors for infection
- A large number of sexual partners. Even with safe sex active sex life sooner or later leads and infection.
- Age. Genital warts in most cases occur in adolescents and young patients in an hour as warts of the oral cavity and respiratory system characteristic of children.
- A weakened immune system. Patients who suffer from HIV infection or acquired immunodeficiency are at high risk of virus invasion. Also the prevalence of HPV is symptomatic after organ transplantation.
- Damage to the skin and mucous membranes. Microtrauma facilitate the penetration of the virus into the basal layer of the epithelium.
- Smoking and alcoholism. Bad habits weaken the activity of the immune system.
- Genitourinary infection.
In addition, the risk of infection includes pregnant women. It should be remembered that the elimination of the factors of exposure and disease phenomena is an effective preventative tactics.
The clinical course
The incubation period preceding symptomatic manifestations of the disease can last for several months or not. In immunocompetent patients in the body can eradicate the infection, however, spontaneous elimination of the pathogen does not always happen. A person can be simultaneously infected with multiple strains of the virus. Signs of HPV infection occur under the influence of unfavorable factors weaken the immune defense of tissues. Because of recurrent condyloma periodically disappear and form again. Cancer infection complications may develop over several decades.
The possible consequences of the disease:
- Carcinoma of the cervix – malignant neoplasm of epithelial tissue. This type of cancer only associated with human papillomavirus. With timely vaccination, the risk of oncogenesis is reduced.
- Squamous cell carcinoma of the anus. This complication can occur in men and women. Early symptoms of cancer of the anus include bleeding and itching.
- Violation of urination due to obstruction of the urethra the warts.
- Malignant transformation of warts in the throat and oral cavity.
Cervical cancer phenomenon is one of the most common causes of death of women. Since this disease is associated with viral invasion, you need regular checkups by a gynecologist. Modern vaccines protect women hell most oncogenic types of HPV.
Diagnosis
A survey of warts engaged gynecologists, urologists, venereologists and dermatologists. During the initial appointment the doctor will ask the patient about complaints, collect anamnesis data and will examine the skin lesions. The manifestations of HPV identifitseerida easy, but it is necessary to exclude other diseases. To do this, you can assign instrumental and laboratory tests.
The necessary methods of diagnostics:
- Instrumental examination of the vagina and cervix (colposcopy). Such a study is necessarily performed for screening of cervical carcinoma. During the examination the doctor can detect multiple papillomas, and areas of epithelial dysplasia.
- Biopsy obtaining tissue material in the area of skin or mucosal changes. Cytological examination of the sample allows to detect malignant cells.
- Polymerase chain reaction detection of viral particles of HPV in the body. Conducting this test gives the physician the ability to determine the strain of pathogen and viral load.
- Digene-test – high-precision detection of DNA of oncogenic strains of human papillomavirus. The study is used as a reliable screening.
Medication
Developed drugs against HPV infection allow only to eliminate symptoms and to prevent malignancy tissues. The complete elimination of the virus by drug therapy impossible. Oral and topical agents are appointed in the case of high risk of carcinogenesis, immune deficiency and other adverse conditions. If the virus does not manifest itself by external changes, rather General preventive measures.
A possible destination
- Salicylic acid for wart removal. Not used for skin treatment of face and genitals.
- Creams and ointments containing immunomodulatory agent.
- Podofilox – cream, which has a cytostatic effect. The application of medication to the affected skin and causes the destruction of pathogenic elements.
- Trichloroacetic acid for chemical cautery of common and genital warts. Can cause local expression of a section.
These drugs should only be used under medical supervision. After removal of warts, an HPV infection may appear again and even spread to other areas.
Surgical treatment
The doctor can offer the patient surgical and minimally invasive methods of wart removal. Typically, these methods do not cause complications, but in the first days after the intervention can occur tissue bleeding.
Interventions:
- conventional surgical excision;
- liquid nitrogen freezing and subsequent destruction of the affected tissues;
- electric coagulation;
- removal of papillomas with a laser.;
- the use of radio wave "click".
All procedures are performed under local anesthesia. Specialist will choose the most safe method of treatment of genital warts.
Forecast
For human papillomavirus infection depends on the immune status of the patient and the particular strain of the virus. Approximately 30% of the guerrillas is caused spontaneous elimination of the pathogen by the active immune system. Symptomatic disease is often seen in pregnant women, children, the elderly and immunocompromised patients.
To HPV infection is characterized by relapsing course. Formed papillomas may gradually disappear or spread to neighboring skin areas. Oncogenic strains of the virus most often striking the mucous membrane of the cervix, and which occurs epithelial dysplasia increases the effect of risk factors of malignant transformation of tissues, like Smoking and use of oral contraceptives. The tumor may develop 10-20 years after the invasion of the virus into the body.
Prevention
The most reliable method of prevention of the phenomenon is early immunization. The vaccine "Gardasil", which contains viral proteins and auxiliary components, effective against HPV 6, 11, 16 and 18. If administered at an early age and first sexual intercourse, the risk of subsequent development of cervical cancer in women less than 1%.
Additional prevention:
- the use of condoms;
- sex only with reliable partners;
- careful personal hygiene;
- gynecological examination at least once a year.