Human papillomavirus is considered one of the most common diseases, including more than 100 different types. Most of them are of little danger to humans and, if the body is in good condition, can be neutralized by the immune system. However, there are HPV strains that cause serious skin lesions and are characterized by a high level of oncogenicity:
What it is
“Genotyping” does not mean a specific procedure, but a series of diagnostic measures aimed at determining the type of HPV and the concentration of the virus in the body. Tests can detect several strains at once, which is typical for such an infection. In this case, they usually talk about a more complex course of the disease.
Typically, diagnosis is not limited only to genotyping: the attending physician also conducts an external examination, donates blood if necessary, performs colposcopy in women, etc. However, genotyping is the main way to determine the presence of HPV. This method is very sensitive to minimal changes in virus concentration, so it can easily detect deviations.
Determining the HPV type
The diagnostic procedure is carried out in several stages. After consultation, the doctor needs to confirm the presence of the virus, and only after that typing is carried out. Before the test itself, the patient will have to undergo several procedures:
- external examination, allowing a preliminary assessment of what strain is causing the skin growths;
- conducting colposcopy in women, which allows assessing the condition of the cervix and the degree of damage to the body;
Colposcopy of the cervix - taking a general urine and blood test to exclude other diseases;
- carrying out histology after the biopsy procedure to exclude the development of oncological processes.
After confirming the presence of HPV in the body, a doctor may prescribe a smear or scraping required for a PCR test.
If the infection has already manifested itself in the form of neoplasms, additional diagnostic methods are usually not used. Depending on the detected viral strains, specific treatment is prescribed, usually including removal of existing growths.
Features of virus types
All types of papillomavirus are divided into several large groups, based on the degree of oncogenicity, i.e. risk of developing malignant neoplasms. The higher the degree, the greater the risk a patient with existing benign papillomas is exposed to. The following classifications of HPV are distinguished (HPV designation in tests):
- Highly oncogenic. The risk of developing a malignant tumor in the affected area is very high. These types of HPV include 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 50 strains. They usually manifest as genital warts that form in the patient's genital area.
- Moderately oncogenic. The development of a malignant tumor occurs in approximately half of the cases among all infected people. This group includes 26, 30, 35, 65 strains.
- Low oncogenic. These types of HPV usually appear in the form of warts, which are considered a fairly harmless, albeit unpleasant, cosmetic defect. These include strains 6, 11, 13, 32, 40. The development of cancer with such forms of the virus is almost impossible.
Among all types of HPV, strains 16 and 18 stand out the most. They pose the greatest danger to women: in 80% of cases, patients with cervical cancer were diagnosed with one of these types of HPV. These forms of the virus are considered the most aggressive, and therefore require immediate treatment when diagnosed.
Diagnostic methods
For diagnosis, the patient can contact a gynecologist, urologist, proctologist, dermatologist, or even a therapist if he is not sure about the nature of his growths. The doctor can give an initial conclusion based on the external signs of the virus, but to clarify the details, different types of studies are prescribed. These include:
- Colposcopy. Thanks to a colposcope, the gynecologist is able to repeatedly enlarge the image showing the mucous membrane of the genital organs from the inside. The procedure allows you to examine the vagina and cervix in detail, so the doctor can notice the appearance of even small tumors. The peculiarities of the course of HPV are such that growths can form even on the internal genital organs, so examination with a colposcope is a mandatory diagnostic step.
- Cytology. This research method is based on taking a smear from the affected membrane at the site of exposure to the virus. After collection, the smear is examined under a microscope and checked for the presence of malignant cells. The results of cytology are interpreted as follows: group 1-2 indicates the absence of pathology, group 3 indicates the need for other studies, since the diagnosis is in doubt, group 4-5 indicates the presence of malignant changes.
- Histology. For the procedure, a piece of biomaterial is also taken from a certain area of the body, after which the data is examined under a microscope. The difference between this method and the previous one is that it is not a smear that is analyzed, but a small piece of growth. This way you can more clearly see whether oncological changes are occurring in a specific area.
- PCR diagnostics. One of the most common tests, based on taking a smear from the vagina or urethra. The method is considered quite sensitive and allows you to detect not only the presence of the virus, but also identify specific strains. The PCR test is also used to track the concentration of the virus, which helps to see how effective the treatment was.
- Digene test. Intended primarily for screening examinations of women, as it effectively detects precancerous conditions. The material for collection is a smear taken from the vagina. The test can also be used as an additional study to clarify the results of other tests.
Each test should only be performed under the supervision of a specialist. If diagnostic rules are not followed, there is a possibility of obtaining a false positive or false negative result, the latter being more common.
Video from our practicing dermatovenerologist:
Features of examination in men and women
The principle of each genotyping test is the same and is based on collecting a small number of cells from the affected area. The only difference is the method of collecting the material.
Women usually submit a scraping taken from the cervix for analysis. Such material is considered the most informative, in contrast to scrapings from the vagina.
To do this, the doctor takes a small brush, the bristles of which are designed specifically for collecting material from the cervical canal.
After this, the material is sent to the laboratory for study. Such manipulation should not cause inconvenience to a woman. The only contraindication for it is the presence of menstruation.
Material for study in men is taken from the urethra. Using a small probe, the doctor takes a scraping of the epithelium, which, after removal, remains on a special glass. In this form, the analysis is sent for research. When diagnosing HPV, men are usually given a PCR test.
Treatment principle
A complete cure of a patient from papillomavirus is impossible even with competent, timely treatment.
HPV will always be present in the body in a latent form and can manifest itself in the form of a relapse due to severe stress or weakened immunity.
Therefore, the principles of therapy are based not on complete cure of the infection, but on minimizing the consequences of infection. As part of therapy, the following is used for this:
Together, all these methods help keep the concentration of the virus in the body under control, and regular genotyping monitors the viral load.
It is important to carry out treatment exclusively under the supervision of a doctor, since it is necessary to look at the reaction of the body, which may not be suitable for the prescribed medications.
Home self-medication in the form of cauterization of papillomas, use of celandine, etc. could turn out to be very dangerous.
The patient may not know that his tumor has become malignant, and an independent attempt to remove cancer cells can be fatal.
Price for tests
The cost of procedures depends on the place of residence and can vary significantly from region to region. Average prices for virus diagnostics are as follows:
- quantitative PCR test with determination of 12 genotypes of the virus – 600-800 rubles;
- identification of individual HPV strains – 250-350 rubles;
- colposcopy – 900-1400 rubles;
- cytology – 700-1200 rubles;
- Digene test for identifying highly oncogenic strains of the virus – 5000-6000 rubles;
- histological examination – 2000-3000 rubles.
The patient should select a diagnostic method together with the attending physician, since each situation requires individual consideration. In addition, it is necessary to re-do the diagnosis after some time to analyze the quality of the treatment provided.
Source: https://papillomus.ru/terapiya/genotipirovanie-vpch-protsedura-diagnostiki-zabolevaniya/
Determination of the genotype of the human papillomavirus
The human papillomavirus is as common as diseases caused by herpes simplex. According to statistics, about 2/3 of the planet's population is infected with the pathology.
The symptoms of the disease largely depend on the functioning of the immune system. Some people carry the infection without knowing it.
For others, the virus causes serious complications, including death.
Further treatment depends on determining the genotype of the virus
HPV genotyping makes it possible to detect the spread of oncogenic strains of pathogens in the body and prescribe competent, timely treatment. Such methods guarantee a high chance of recovery and prevention of the negative consequences of papillomavirus.
What is genotyping
More than 100 strains of pathogens are known to science, but only 70 of them have been studied. The main signs of damage to the body are manifested by various rashes on the skin:
- Dense growths on the palms and soles.
- Warts on the body and face.
- Pink elevations, shaped like papillae.
- Genital warts in the anus and genital area.
There are several main ways of transmitting infection from one person to another:
- unprotected sexual relations;
- body contact, handshakes;
- intrauterine;
- through common household items (the most rarely reported route of infection).
Not all types of virus lead to cancer
All types of detected pathogens of papillomatosis can be divided into 3 large groups:
- non-oncogenic;
- viruses with low cancer risk;
- highly oncogenic.
Some strains of the pathogen pose a threat only to the fair sex, increasing the risk of cervical cancer several times. According to statistics, cervical cancer in 1% of cases is provoked by HPV of high oncogenic risk.
A threat to human health is primarily posed by genital warts, which are localized on the head of the penis or in the vestibule of the vagina in women. Other types of papillomas will not cause harm to health provided there is no permanent injury.
However, any elevations on the surface of the skin are a cosmetic defect, which often causes discomfort when communicating with others. Warts on the chest, back, and armpits are especially susceptible to injury from clothing and underwear. This fact increases the risk of a benign tumor degenerating into cancer or further spreading.
Digen test
Experts have identified about 100 human papillomaviruses, differing in structure and clinical characteristics. Diagnostic measures largely depend on the location of the growth, its size and the affected area.
To identify the virus, a Digene test is performed
Genotyping is necessary in order to identify the degree of oncogenicity of viral particles and select the correct treatment regimen. When microorganisms of high and moderate oncogenicity are detected, patients are prescribed tests such as the Diget test and the PCR method.
The first type of analysis gets its name from the company that invented it. The main purpose of the Digen test is preventive. It allows you to detect the presence of viral particles in the body and carry out timely treatment, which prevents the development of oncology in the future.
The material for the Digen test is a scraping from the cervix, which is collected by a gynecologist during an examination. Using the test, you can detect 18 types of HPV in the body, 13 of which pose a real threat to the life and health of the patient, and 5 belong to the group of viruses with low carcinogenicity.
When deciphering the Digen test, you must consider:
- the presence of a pathogen of one or more strains is not a necessary indicator of the development of cervical cancer;
- a negative result does not guarantee that there is no risk of cancer in the future;
- the study must necessarily be supplemented with other methods to obtain a more accurate result and exclude false positives.
Polymerase chain reaction is also used in HPV research.
PCR diagnostics
Allows you to detect the presence of pathogenic particles and determine their type. The study determines not only papillomavirus, but also other viral and infectious pathogens.
PCR diagnostics are carried out in several formats:
- Qualitatively. Determines or refutes infection, but does not establish the degree of viral load on the body. Because of this, it is difficult for experts to determine the possible degeneration of neoplasms caused by papillomavirus into oncological structures.
- Quantitative. Using this type of PCR, it is easy to determine the amount of each pathogen strain in the blood, the stage of progression of the pathology, and the possibility of its transformation into cancer.
Typing value
HPV is most often transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse, less often through household or transplacental transmission (from a sick mother to a child during pregnancy or childbirth). The incubation period of the disease lasts from several months to decades. The time of activation and development of the pathogen depends on the number of pathogenic particles that enter the body and the degree of functioning of the immune system.
Also, the symptoms of infection and the incubation period depend on the strain of the virus:
- HPV 11 – from the moment of infection to the appearance of the first clinical signs, it takes from 1 to 8 months;
- HPV 18 – characterized by a latent course (symptoms may appear only several decades after infection);
The behavior of the virus and approaches to its treatment depend on its type
It is impossible to eradicate the virus from the body by independent efforts. Moreover, science still knows no ways to completely destroy the pathogen.
With the help of timely treatment methods, you can only stop the development of the disease and minimize its complications (including cancer).
Doctors can prescribe an effective treatment regimen through comprehensive diagnostics, which includes determining the genotype of the virus.
The analysis also makes it possible to predict the behavior of the pathogen in the body. The procedure is especially necessary in the following cases:
- When several strains of papillomavirus are detected at once. This indicates the rooting of pathological particles in the body and the difficulty of drawing up a treatment regimen.
- When determining the degree of oncogenicity of a microorganism. Types 16 and 18 are considered the most dangerous in terms of the possible development of cancer. If such strains are detected in a person, additional instrumental diagnostic measures are prescribed, for example, colposcopy or cytological examination.
- When determining re-infection or the effectiveness of the study.
Genotyping also makes it possible to identify the stage of development of papillomatosis - acute or chronic.
Features of genotyping tests in women and men
Examination of women and men has its own characteristics. In the first case, the material for research is a smear from the cervix or cervical canal. Cells from a transformed or suspicious area can also be sent for research.
Research on men and women is slightly different
In rare cases, vaginal or urethral contents are used for genotyping. The latter types of biological material are considered less informative, which means that there is a risk of obtaining a false positive result.
To collect cells, the gynecologist uses special cytological brushes. The instrument is thoroughly sterilized before each use, so patients do not have to worry about infection.
One-time genotyping will not be enough. The frequency of the diagnostic method under consideration depends on the age of the patient.
Girls under 30 years of age can generally refuse this type of examination, since their risk of developing the cervix tends to minimal values.
More mature representatives of the fair sex are recommended to undergo cytological examination regularly (once a year). This is due to the fact that with age the risk of developing cervical cancer increases several times.
In men, material collection occurs according to a different pattern. First, the doctor examines the patient’s body for the presence of pathological growths. When they are detected, a biopsy is performed - taking a small area from the suspicious area for further laboratory study. Biological material may also be collected from the urethra or head of the penis.
A doctor must make a diagnosis based on tests.
Decoding the results
Digen test results are prepared on average from 1 to 2 weeks. In the transcripts you can see the following values:
- “not detected” - the absence of the virus in the body or its presence at a level below the borderline;
- 1, 2 relative units - the indicator of pathogenic particles in the body exceeds the permissible threshold.
The figure in the analyzes depends on the quantitative ratio of viral and healthy cells in the biological material. If the test results revealed at least one relative unit, then the patient will be prescribed specific treatment.
The results of PCR genotyping will be ready in 3 days. Indicators with interpretation are presented in the table:
ResultConcentration of anomalous particlesDeciphering| — | Absence of disease | |
| Doubtful | 3,0-5,0 | The indicator requires additional clarification using other diagnostic measures, for example, PCR screening |
| + | >5,0 | Presence of disease |
Preparation
In order to exclude false genotyping results, proper preparation for the procedure is necessary. It includes:
- discontinuation of medications at least 2 weeks before collection of biomaterial;
- following a diet without fatty and smoked foods;
- refusal to consume alcoholic beverages 24 hours in advance;
- smoking restrictions;
- sexual rest for 3 days;
- refusal to urinate for several hours.
Blood to determine HPV infection is donated on an empty stomach.
Incorrect preparation for testing can affect the results
Price for analysis
The cost of HPV genotyping depends on the range of procedures prescribed and the pricing policy of the clinic. The average cost of each analysis will be discussed below, rubles:
- the presence of oncogenic HPV strains in the urethra or in a smear taken from the vagina - from 500 to 1200;
- Digen test – from 6000 to 7000;
- detection of low-oncogenic viral pathogens in the urethra - from 500 to 700;
- colposcopy – from 100 to 1500;
- screening for type 14 virus – 900;
- PCR analysis – from 2500 to 3200.
HPV - genotyping is a method of recognizing the type of pathogen in the body. Diagnostics is necessary in order to determine the possible likelihood of developing complications associated with infection with the virus. For example, cervical cancer. There are 2 main ways of carrying out the procedure - Digen test and PCR diagnostics, which are carried out in combination.
In order for the test results to be as accurate as possible, it is necessary to undergo preliminary preparation: stop taking medications. follow a diet that excludes alcohol, etc. Only a doctor can draw up an effective treatment regimen based on the results obtained, so self-medication of HPV is unacceptable.
HPV and oncology will be discussed in the video:
Source: http://bolezni.com/stati-o-boleznyah/papilloma/vpch-genotipirovanie.html
HPV genotyping: what is it, how to determine the HPV genotype?
Human papillomavirus - HPV - is a special virus that may be inactive, or may appear in the form of growths (warts, papillomas) on the skin anywhere, including on organs.
HPV: description of the disease
There is no specific pattern of growths; all 120 types of HPV appear in different forms. These include condylomas, wide-pedunculated papillomas, and small growths the size of the eye of a needle. Each type differs in size, location of appearance, shape, color and degree of danger to humans.
The most common is the appearance of warts. Localizations - hands and face most often. Warts do not degenerate into cancer and are in no way dangerous to their carrier. Their only disadvantage is their unaesthetic appearance; they are often injured due to the thin shell. The most susceptible to the manifestation of HPV are those people whose immunity does not provide adequate protection.
The most dangerous manifestations are genital warts, which appear only on the mucous membranes of the genital organs. These are flat or slightly pointed neoplasms, which in most cases gradually develop into cancer.
Infection occurs sexually in 100 cases out of 100. Doctors take from 5 to 25 years for the degeneration of papilloma into cancer, depending on the level.
Causes
If papillomas appear on the body, it means that somewhere in the body there is a “breakdown” and the immune system is not enough. Usually, papillomavirus is preceded by some kind of viral or bacterial disease.
Slagging in the body also plays an important role. Here there is an unhealthy diet, bad habits, the use of medications, and a lot of dead cells after an illness.
- The main reason is a decrease in immunity.
- With age, the body's resistance decreases, and the occurrence of papilloma can be frequent.
- Stress is not the last thing that can cause activation of the human papillomavirus. Serous emotional experiences can poison a completely healthy body in a matter of days.
- Pregnancy and adolescence are a time when the body can do anything due to rapid hormone surges. In any case, these changes most often disappear after the birth of the child in the first case, and after the hormonal levels have settled in the second. If the papillomas have not disappeared, you should urgently consult a dermatologist or infectious disease specialist.
- The papilloma virus is easily transmitted between people during sexual intercourse. The virus also lives in the open air for a long time. Someone else's underwear or towel can give everyone HPV. During childbirth, the baby passes through the birth canal and acquires its first virus.
Symptoms
Thanks to immunity, the virus cannot go on the offensive for a long time and simply lingers in dormant mode in the body. Most carriers of papillomavirus disease never find out that the body is infected.
Some will become familiar with growths several times in their lives, but there are those who will not only constantly be treated for new growths, but will also face cancer complications.
Types of neoplasms
Thanks to modern medicine, HPV types are well studied and presented to the general public. To date, 120 types of this disease have been identified.
Most carry nothing except the possibility of the virus awakening and the appearance of rather unpleasant formations on the skin. But there are also those that are truly dangerous and degenerate into tumors. Conventionally, it is customary to divide the types of disease into subgroups:
- with a high risk of developing malignant tumors, including cancer;
- average risk of developing malignant tumors, including cancer;
- low risk;
- not dangerous to humans.
Genotyping of papillomaviruses: what is it?
Thanks to HPV genotyping, a prediction of the future disease is made, the type is studied, and their quantity in the body is identified. If there are several viruses, they usually indicate an unfavorable prognosis for the course of the disease. After all the main tests have been carried out and the oncogenic genotype (or genotypes) have been identified, additional studies are prescribed.
If everything is confirmed, fairly radical treatment methods can be used. It is HPV genotyping of this virus that allows us to timely exclude even the minimal likelihood of relapse and, as a consequence, death.
How to determine the HPV type?
After contacting a specialist, confirmation of the diagnosis begins, and then its typing. Treatments include:
- examination of lesions, external belonging to the types of papilloma;
- colposcopy for women, before this a smear must be taken;
- diagnostic methods at the molecular biological level;
- cytological examination;
- histological examinations after taking a biopsy;
- General tests of blood, urine, secretions.
The diagnosis of HPV itself usually does not cause difficulties, as formations can be detected either independently or during a doctor’s examination. To verify the viral basis of neoplasms on the body and organs, smears and scrapings are prescribed for PCR.
After this, the procedure for genotyping the detected human papillomavirus is carried out: biopsy, testing for oncogenicity. Afterwards, depending on which genotype is detected, removal of the formations and treatment are prescribed. In persistent immunodeficiency (AIDS), diagnosis is usually difficult, and treatment often does not have a positive effect.
Features of each type of virus
Conventionally, it is customary to divide the types of HPW disease (aka HPV, but HPW is prescribed in tests) into subgroups based on oncogenicity - that is, the likelihood of transformation of the affected area into a malignant tumor:
- HPW with a high risk of developing malignant tumors, including cancer (types 16, 18, 31, 33, 39, 45, 50, 56, 59, 61–62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 73), highlighted in bold the most dangerous;
- HPW with an average risk of developing malignant tumors, including cancer (26, 30, 35, 52, 53, 58.65);
- HPW, which have a low risk of developing into a malignant tumor, including cancer (6, 11, 13, 32, 34, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 51, 72);
- All other types of HPW are not dangerous to humans (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 100–120 and others).
The most dangerous strains are strain No. 16 and strain No. 18. Each human papilloma virus can look different. There are warts, elongated papillomas, very small formations, wide plaques, dense and soft growths.
Diagnostic methods
A person can determine whether the virus is present either independently (by simply noticing growths on the body) or at a doctor’s appointment. This could be a therapist, a gynecologist, a proctologist, a urologist, or a dermatologist. Accordingly, the typing of the detected disease can be completely different.
- Colposcope examination. Thanks to colposcopy, you can get a good look at the mucous membrane of the internal genital organs. Increasing the size of the picture will allow you to notice even small growths, if any.
- Cytological research method. A smear taken from the affected area is examined using a microscope. The results are interpreted by group. Groups 1 and 2 are assigned if no development of malignant cells has been detected. Grade 3 means that the result is in doubt and additional histological examination is needed. Group 4 or 5 – when malignant cells are detected.
- Histological research method. This is a study under a microscope, but not a smear, but particles of a tumor. Allows you to see with your own eyes whether there are malignant changes in papilloma cells.
- Non-amplification PCR test. The most common test to detect HPV from blood, vaginal and urethral smears, nose, throat, and amniotic fluid. If cancer has already formed, PCR is always positive.
- Amplification digene test. An accurate study that shows not only the presence and type of virus, but also its oncogenicity and degree of infection. This test can detect malignant changes even at the earliest stages. The material for research is scraping of the mucous membranes of the vagina and urethra.
Any tests should only be performed by a qualified specialist. Because the wrong technology can give a false result.
Features of examination in women
During the examination, the woman takes a scraping from the cervix. This option is the most preferable and provides much more complete information than scrapings from the vagina or urethra. In order to take scrapings in this place, use a special brush.
It is placed in the woman’s cervical canal, collecting the material necessary for research with its bristles. Then fingerprints are made with the instrument and sent for examination. The brush is often replaced with a universal probe. The analysis does not cause the woman any pain. Not carried out during critical days.
Principles of HPV treatment
It is impossible to cure HPV 100%. This is important to understand, since this disease is always present in an inactive form in the body of an infected person. And it will appear again, even if all the papillomas are surgically removed. The principle of quality treatment is to help the body reduce the quantitative size of the active DNA of the virus. For this:
- growths are removed (laser, surgical method, etc.);
- use of antiviral agents;
- work to strengthen the immune system (general and medicinal).
Self-medication will not have as positive an effect as medical intervention. Sometimes a person can even aggravate the course of his illness by cauterizing cancerous papillomas with tinctures, celandine, garlic, etc.
Price for tests
Prices in Russia can vary quite a lot. The Invitro Clinic in Moscow offers the following tests:
- determination of oncogenic types of HPV and scraping in the urethra – 575–1050 rubles;
- digene test – 6430 rubles;
- determination of low-oncogenic HPV types and scraping in the urethra – 585 rubles;
- screening of 14 types of oncogenic HPV – 885 rubles;
- colposcopy – 1300 rubles;
- histological examination – 2060 rubles;
- PCR – 2940 rubles;
- cytological examination of a smear or scraping – 745–1270 rubles.
Source: https://vseopapillome.com/papillomy/papillomy-chto-takoe-genotipirovanie-i-kakoj-iz-120-tipov-vyzyvaet-rak.html
Diagnosis of HPV: genotyping and treatment of the disease
Human papillomavirus is a human papillomavirus that is transmitted from person to person. In the presence of this disease, papillomas, which are located in the basal layer of the skin, multiply very quickly. Papillomaviruses reproduce in the upper layers of the skin.
HPV: description of the disease
Characteristic features of the disease
Human papillomavirus is a heat-stable pathogen that can survive very well in the environment. HPV is a fairly dangerous virus, as it can fully tolerate heat treatment. The virus is characterized by slow reproduction. It is very difficult to detect in human blood.
This disease is an etiotropic pathogen for which damage to stratified squamous keratinizing and non-keratinizing epithelium is impossible. It also does not damage the columnar epithelium lining the lungs, prostate and cervical canal.
Once this viral disease enters, it spreads through the bloodstream. During this period, its fixation in epithelial cells and its introduction into DNA is observed, which leads to malfunctions in their performance.
When infected, the cell is characterized by intensive growth and division.
As a result, after a certain period of time, a characteristic growth appears at the site of the lesion.
This disease is oncogenic, since in certain cases cancer is observed in the overgrown cell. According to oncogenicity, a given disease can be safe, with a low oncogenic risk or with a high oncogenic risk.
In the presence of a virus with a high oncogenic risk, candilomas or pointed papillomas are observed in males and females. This disease is quite serious.
But it should not be considered a death sentence, since it is treatable.
Causes
Main causes of infection
The main cause of this viral disease is a person’s promiscuous sex life. If a person started having sex early or is gay, then he is at risk.
Also, this disease can occur as a result of frequent changes of partner. If sexual intercourse is performed without protection, this significantly increases the risk of developing the disease.
HPV can be caused by diseases such as:
- Genital herpes
- Chlamydia
- Trichomoniasis
- Ureaplasmosis
- Mycoplasmosis
The virus most often develops between the ages of 18 and 30. At this age, self-extraction of this disease may occur. This disease can acquire a malignant form by the age of 45. Two forms of viruses can develop simultaneously in one organism.
Symptoms
HPV symptoms
This disease is characterized by the presence of a large number of symptoms, which, unfortunately, can only be detected in the later stages of the disease.
Signs and features of HPV:
- The symptoms of this disease manifest themselves when the performance of the human immune system decreases.
- In some patients, the virus accumulates in a certain area of the body in the area of mucous membranes or skin. In this case, there are malfunctions in the performance of the cells that make up the epithelium.
- When infected with the human papillomavirus, neoplasms appear. This suggests that this disease is becoming more active.
- The type of causative agent of the virus can be varied and manifest itself in the form of warts, papillomas, genital warts.
- With HPV, many patients experience calluses. The older the person, the greater the likelihood of these neoplasms occurring during the development of the disease.
- When a person is infected with the human papillomavirus, warts appear, which are characterized by a round shape, high density, a diameter of up to 10 millimeters and benign.
- The color of warts can be either light yellow or black. Most often they are located on the shins, fingers, and elbows.
- After the patient has developed warts, papillomas appear on the skin, which are characterized by a soft structure and round shape. They are attached to the skin on a thin stalk or on a wide base. Most often they are located under the arms, on the neck, and face.
- HPV most often manifests itself as codylomas, which are characterized by softness, unevenness, peduncles, and rapid growth. Condylomas can have both internal and external forms.
- The localization of this viral disease in females is observed on the external genitalia, and in males - on the penis.
- In the presence of this disease, the psychological state of a person worsens significantly.
Despite the fact that this disease has a large number of symptoms, they may not appear in time, which can lead to the neglect of the disease and the impossibility of treating it.
Diagnostics
The examination of patients suspected of having this viral disease is characterized by the absence of a specific scheme. - If there are any signs of this disease, people who have an active sex life, characterized by changing partners or promiscuity, must be examined.
- If a patient has an STD, then they must be examined for the presence of this viral disease.
Diagnosis of this viral disease is carried out for female representatives who have cervical pathology. If neoplasms are observed in the genital area of patients, the patient must be examined.
Examination of a person suspected of having this viral disease is carried out in several stages:
- Initially, the doctor visually examines the patient’s mucous membranes and skin.
- If women are suspected of having this viral disease, they are prescribed a colcoscopy, which involves examining the cervix with a colposcope.
- If the development of this viral disease is suspected, the patient is required to undergo a cytological examination, which consists of studying a scraping. It is taken from the cervix or cervical canal. Using this method, cancerous tumors are detected at the initial stage.
- In some cases, patients are prescribed a DNA test.
Thanks to the availability of a large number of methods for studying the disease, it is possible to detect this disease. In this case, it is very important that the patient promptly seeks help from a doctor.
HPV genotyping
Using genotyping of this viral disease, it is possible to predict the course of the disease. If the study reveals several genotypes of the virus, this will indicate an unfavorable prognosis. In this case, the risk of persistence increases significantly.
The oncogenicity of various high-risk genotypes is not characterized by the same indicators. Types 16 and 18 are characterized by the highest degree of oncogenicity. Once tests have been carried out and any of these genotypes of the virus have been established, further research is recommended. This will allow more radical measures to be taken in the treatment of this disease.
If a patient is diagnosed with these types of disease, he is recommended to undergo a colcoscopic examination.
If during the study other high risks of this viral disease are identified, then cytology is performed. If the result of this study is positive, the patient is sent for colcoscopy.
More information about HPV can be found in the video.
Read: List of STIs: types, signs and treatment of sexually transmitted infections
Reinfection and persistence of infection are two different concepts. Thanks to genotyping, one of them is installed.
In this case, there is a danger in the course of a chronic persistent form of infection, which requires obtaining detailed information about the type of infection. The spectrum of genotypes changes during reinfection. The genotype of the virus is maintained if patients have persistent infection.
If a patient is re-infected with the same genotype of the virus, it will be almost impossible to cure him.
HPV genotyping is a fairly important procedure in diagnosing the disease. With its help, you can eliminate the possibility of relapse with a fatal outcome.
Treatment of the disease
Features of HPV treatment
Treatment of this viral disease should be carried out only in combination, otherwise it will not give positive results.
Treatment of HPV should be aimed at destroying papillomatous lesions. Also, it cannot be performed without immunological and restorative therapy.
Destructive treatment methods involve the use of cytotoxic and chemical drugs:
- Of the first group of medications, the patient is most often prescribed Podophyllotoxin, Podophyllin, and 5-furracilla.
- Among chemical medications, the patient must take Collomak, Feresol, Nitric acid, etc.
- In this case, surgical treatment methods can also be used.
Immunological treatment consists of taking interferon drugs and interferonogenesis inducers. General restorative therapy includes vitamins, sedatives, etc.
This disease is very serious, as a result of which patients develop cancer. That is why it is necessary to begin timely treatment of the disease, which consists of correctly identifying the type of disease.
For this purpose, various diagnostic methods can be used, depending on the characteristics of the disease. In this case, it is imperative to consult a doctor, as self-medication can be fatal.
Source: https://DiagnozLab.com/analysis/infectious/urogenital/genotipirovanie-vpch.html
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