The human papillomavirus (HPV) is already knownyears. Scientists have long established the connection of this pathogen with the restructuring of normal tissues of the body, but it was not possible to prove the direct dependence of the onset of neoplasms. HPV has many types, at the moment about 100 species have been discovered. 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, isolated non-oncogenic and oncogenic groups. The latter may have both a low and a high risk of developing neoplasms.
At present, many differenttypes of HPV, as well as the influence of each of them on the human body. It depends on the structure of the virus genome, which they have different. It is known that the DNA of type 16 HPV has the greatest ability to develop carcinogenesis, that is, cancerous degeneration of normal body cells. Many varieties 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 pointed. HPV 16 and 18 types cause the most dangerous conditions - dysplasia and cervical cancer. These viruses are considered quite common, so their study is very important for medicine.
The diameter of human papillomavirus is 50 nm.The shape of HPV resembles a geometric figure - an ixoahedron, which consists of 72 parts - capsomers. The virus has a special shell - a capsid, which is located symmetrically. Genetic information about HPV is stored on its DNA, which is represented by two cyclically closed chains. Its molecular weight is 3-5 mD. The type 16 DNA has an infectious and transforming component. The coding genome chain contains 10 reading frames, which can be early and late. This is determined by their location in the DNA structure. The coding part carries information on the proteins that make up the virus. It is the peptides that are responsible for all the properties that HPV has. Proteins E5-7 are specific for oncogenic viruses, they contribute to the formation of dysplasia and cancer degeneration.
HPV occurs in many people, but only a smallpart is examined to detect it. This is due to the fact that most types of the virus are harmless and in no way manifest themselves. Some have warts and condylomas, but they are not always a cause for concern. Usually, HPV diagnosis is performed in gynecological and venereological offices, because those types of virus that can lead to a cancerous process are often localized on the external and internal genital organs. Usually there are oncogenic HPV types. 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 between the effect of this virus and cell degeneration. HPV type 16 in men can lead to cancer of the external genitalia and the formation of papillomas in the oral cavity.
Most often for the detection of HPV in womenthe examination is conducted by a gynecologist. If there is a suspicion of dysplasia or cervical cancer, the doctor recommends that the patient, a few days before taking the test, exclude sexual intimacy and antiviral drugs. The study takes material from the cervical canal and the urethra. After taking the smear, it is sent to a laboratory where PCR is performed. This method allows to detect the presence or absence of DNA of the virus in the material under study. Another method of diagnosis is ELISA, for which it is necessary to donate blood. This analysis will allow to determine the level of antibody titer to HPV, as well as the presence of a chronic process.
When a papillomavirus is detected, it is necessary firstto strengthen the immune system. Due to the danger of type 16 HPV treatment is extremely necessary. If a woman has conditions such as cervical erosion, genital warts, erythro- and lymphoplakia, dysplasia, they must be urgently disposed of. This is possible with diathermocoagulation or cryodestruction. In addition, therapy includes taking antiviral medications, protecting against hypothermia and stress, normalizing nutrition and day regimen.
