The human papillomavirus (HPV) has been known for many years. Scientists have long established the relationship of this pathogen with the restructuring of normal body tissues, but failed to prove the direct dependence of the occurrence of neoplasms. HPV has many types, about 100 species are currently open. It is present in most of the world's population, and many are only carriers of the virus and do not suffer from its manifestations. Depending on the type of virus, its effect on the body is determined. Some types of HPV are harmless, others cause the appearance of warts, genital warts, and even cancer. In connection with the accepted classification, non-oncogenic and oncogenic groups are distinguished. The latter can have both low and high risk of developing neoplasms.
HPV transmission routes
Since the
human papillomavirus is one of the most common, anyone can become infected with it. In both women and men, type 16 HPV DNA can be detected. This kind of virus is always alarming for doctors, since it belongs to the group of oncogenic and has a high risk of developing malignant tumors. The most common way of transmitting HPV is through sexual contact. This is due to the fact that in most cases it lives on the genitals. In addition, the virus can be transmitted by contact-household means, which is much less common. This happens only when the affected areas of the mucous membrane come in contact with healthy tissue. Sometimes, HPV is observed in children who receive it from their mother during childbirth.
What does papillomavirus lead to?
Currently, many different types of HPV have been studied, as well as the effect of each of them on the human body. It depends on the structure of the viral genome, which is different for them. It is known that HPV type 16 DNA has the greatest ability to develop carcinogenesis, that is, cancerous degeneration of normal body cells. Many species cause warts - formations on various surfaces of the body. They can be localized on the skin, in the genital area, on the heels, on the mucous membrane of the larynx. Another name for warts is condyloma, which can be ordinary, flat or peaked. HPV types 16 and 18 cause the most dangerous conditions - dysplasia and cervical cancer. These viruses are considered quite common, so their study is very important for medicine.
HPV DNA type 16: structure
The diameter of human papillomavirus is 50 nm. The shape of the HPV resembles a geometric figure - the ixoahedron, which consists of 72 parts - capsomeres. The virus has a special shell - capsid, which is located symmetrically. The HPV genetic information is stored on its DNA, which is represented by two cyclically closed chains. Its molecular weight is 3-5 mD. HPV type 16 DNA has an infectious and transforming component. The genome coding chain contains 10 reading frames, which can be early or late. This is determined by their location in the DNA structure. The coding part carries information about the proteins that make up the virus. It is the peptides that are responsible for all the properties that HPV has. E5-7 proteins are specific for oncogenic viruses, they contribute to the formation of dysplasia and cancerous degeneration.
Papillomavirus type 16 in men and women
HPV is found in many people, but only a small portion is examined to detect it. This is due to the fact that most types of virus are harmless and do not manifest themselves. Some have warts and genital warts, but they are not always a cause for concern. Typically, HPV is diagnosed in gynecological and venereologic rooms, because the types of virus that can lead to the cancer process are often localized on the external and internal genital organs. Usually, oncogenic HPV species are located there. Type 16 in women leads to the development of squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix in 50-60% of cases, so its diagnosis is extremely important. Scientists are still conducting research aimed at establishing the relationship of the action of this virus with cell degeneration. HPV type 16 in men can lead to cancer of the external genitalia and the formation of papillomas in the oral cavity.
Diagnostic methods for papillomavirus
Most often, a gynecologist performs an examination to identify HPV in women. If dysplasia or cervical cancer is suspected, the doctor recommends that the patient exclude sexual intimacy and antiviral drugs several days before the test. The study takes material from the cervical canal and urethra. After taking the smear, he is sent to a laboratory where PCR is performed. This method allows you to detect the presence or absence of virus DNA in the test material. Another diagnostic method is ELISA, for which it is necessary to donate blood. This analysis will determine the level of titer of antibodies to HPV, as well as the presence of a chronic process.
HPV type 16: treatment
If papillomavirus is detected, the first thing to do is strengthen the immune system. Due to the danger of HPV type 16 treatment is urgently needed. If a woman has conditions such as cervical erosion, genital warts, erythro- and lymphoplakia, dysplasia, it is urgent to get rid of them. This is possible using diathermocoagulation or cryodestruction. In addition, therapy includes the use of antiviral drugs, protection against hypothermia and stress, normalization of nutrition and daily routine.