Doctors say infectious diseases, allergy-immunology
Human papillomavirus (HPV, or HPV - human papilloma virus) is a widespread virus that causes a variety of diseases in women and men. More than half of the world's population is infected with HPV. Some of them are just carriers of the disease, while others the virus manifests itself as papillomatosis on the skin and mucous membranes. About 30 types cause damage to the female genitals. Sometimes this viral disease can be the causative agent of cancer cell degeneration. The most dangerous of them is the type of papilloma virus with a high risk of oncology - i. e. viruses that have the greatest ability to cause genital cancer, particularly cervical cancer. According to H. zur Hausen, who was awarded the Nobel Prize for research, cervical cancer is caused by 16 and 18 subtypes in 95%, and all together - in 99. 8%. Human papillomavirus is the second most common viral infection (after genital herpes) in the female genital area.
Papillomavirus is found in about 70% of women. In addition, these benign neoplasms form in any area of the body:
- neck
- under the breast;
- on the stomach;
- face;
- in the armpit;
- on the mucous membranes of the mouth, nasal cavity, lips;
- on the mucous membranes of internal organs.
This infection refers to intracellular parasites that are unable to reproduce on their own, and for this they use the cells of the human body.
Transmission of the virus occurs through contact with the skin or mucous membranes of an infected person.
Infections can occur:
- during sexual intercourse (including through anal and oral types of sexual intercourse);
- when born. From the mother to the newborn as it passes through the birth canal during childbirth. The disease is detected in the early years, when papillomas can appear in the mouth (laryngeal papillomatosis) and on the skin;
- if there are no rules of personal hygiene - when shaving or plucking hair;
- household way. Due to the fact that such a virus is very strong, and especially in humid environments, there is a risk of catching it when using public places: saunas, swimming pools, toilets, bathrooms, gyms. The virus penetrates through the smallest fragments of the skin.
Some types of viruses can be contracted even by shaking hands. If there is someone in the family who is a carrier of the virus, then the risk of other family members being infected is very high. This virus is highly contagious.
Factors that contribute to HPV infection:
- decreased general immunity due to the influence of various carcinogens;
- too much work, the presence of different stresses;
- failure in hormonal background;
- pregnancy (due to body restructuring and changes in hormone levels);
- the presence of diseases that cause metabolic and metabolic disorders.
If the virus enters a healthy body, with good immunity, then the immune cells destroy it, and the infection does not occur, it does not threaten a completely healthy person.
Important! Men are more likely to act as passive carriers of the virus, which is less dangerous for men than women - they are less likely to develop oncology. Children under the influence of the virus can develop warts on the skin, laryngeal papillomatosis (usually in the form of chronic recurrent). Laryngeal papillomatosis causes respiratory problems, resulting in shortness of breath syndrome. Skin warts are found in 12% of school students, this is the most common dermatological disease in children. Remember! Regular checkups with your doctor can help prevent the onset of cervical cancer caused by HPV. Because externally the disease may not be noticeable.
The following research methods are used to diagnose human papillomavirus:
- personal examination of the patient;
- blood analysis;
- colposcopy;
- smear cytology - Pap test;
- tissue histology;
PCR - polymerase chain reaction. This analysis allows not only to find out about the presence of the virus, but also to determine its type. But if the analysis is positive, this does not mean that this type of HPV will not go away on its own. The analysis also identified all types of papillomavirus;
- ureteroscopy;
- biopsy
To detect HPV, a special HPV test is used. The most common is PCR analysis, which allows not only to identify HPV, but also to clarify its type. However, it is better to use quantitative HPV testing to assess viral load. This method allows you to determine the critical concentration of the virus, which is directly related to the risk of malignancy. Such analysis also makes it possible to assess the effectiveness of treatment, as it is not always possible to get rid of the virus completely, however, treatment can reduce its activity.
Due to the fact that HPV can be a cause of diseases of various organs, if it is present, they turn to doctors in various fields: dermatologists, surgeons, urologists, gynecologists, proctologists, oncologists. otolaryngologist, infectious disease specialist.
So can HPV be completely cured or not? To date, no antiviral drugs are known that can remove HPV from the body.
One method of treatment is papilloma removal. The main removal methods are as follows:
- surgery.
- radiosurgical.
- laser. This method is non -contact and does not bleed. The crust remains at the site of removal, healing takes place underneath. electrocoagulation. cryocoagulation. Complete removal of the papilloma occurs after several sessions. After removal, antiviral treatment and ways to restore and strengthen immunity are prescribed. Another method to prevent this disease is HPV vaccination. Vaccination is used as prophylaxis and for postoperative treatment. It is conducted for boys aged 9-17 years, girls from 9 years, women of childbearing age.
In our clinic, we use a combination of destructive treatment methods (diathermoelectrocoagulation, radio wave coagulation or laser removal of genital warts) with the use of antiviral drugs that also affect the patient’s immune status. The advantage of our treatment regimen for HPV infection is that we not only get rid of the warts, but also increase the body’s resistance to the virus, preventing it from spreading. For each patient, we developed a scheme for further management, including a special course of anti-relapse treatment.
We can promise each patient who comes to our clinic a qualitative examination (including determining the number of virus types), if necessary, special studies of immune reactivity and, in any case, selection of individual treatment regimens, development of effective anti-relapse courses.
One of the latest developments in the treatment of HPV INFECTION is a vaccine to prevent infections caused by HPV, which according to scientists, should also prevent the occurrence of cervical cancer. The development of various types of HPV vaccines began in the early 1980s. Preliminary data serve as the basis for large clinical trials in women of various age groups, as well as in children. Since then, significant progress has been made in improving the vaccine, and evidence of its effectiveness and safety has been obtained. Currently, three types of vaccines have been developed.
In the territory of our country, 2 vaccines are registered: vaccine against 4 types of HPV (16, 18, 6, 11) and vaccine against 2 types (16, 18 types). The vaccine is intended for children from the age of 9 years before the onset of sexual activity (the greatest protective effect of the vaccine) and women of childbearing age. in the latter case, protection is only formed against the type of virus that the woman does not have time to become infected with.
The vaccine is effective in preventing cervical cancer, genital warts, and vulvar and vaginal cancer. The highest clinical efficacy and safety of the vaccine were confirmed by the analysis of 4 large clinical studies.
Dear friends, If you have papillomatosis or have been diagnosed with human papillomavirus, but you do not see any manifestations, or maybe you just want to make sure you are healthy, make an appointment with an infectious disease specialist, allergy- immunologist who specializes intreatment of this disease. Doctors will be able to choose the best plan for the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.