12th Nov 2024

Everything You Should Know about Human Papillomavirus

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a contact-transmitted viral infection that affects the skin and mucous membranes. This virus causes many diseases, from benign warts to cancer. For anyone who wants to stay healthy and minimize the risks associated with this virus, it is important to understand the nature of the virus, its routes of transmission, and methods of prevention and treatment.

What is papillomavirus?

HPV is one of the most common viruses that infect humans. Today, more than 200 types of viruses are known, divided into two main groups:

• Low-risk types of HPV: These most often cause benign growths such as warts and warts
• Highly-risk types of HPV: These types are associated with an increased risk of developing cancer, such as cancer of the cervix, anal canal, throat, and other organs

Each type of virus has its specifics in terms of affected tissues and organs. For example, types 6 and 11, which have low risk, often cause genital warts, while types 16 and 18 are among the most oncogenic types and can lead to cancer.

Papillomavirus transmission

The main route of transmission of the virus is contact, especially sexual intercourse. However, a domestic route of infection through close skin contact with the virus carrier is also possible. Sexual contact can be not only traditionally vaginal but also oral or anal.

In addition, the virus can be transmitted through microtrauma to the skin, especially through the use of shared towels, sheets, and other personal hygiene items. In some cases, the papillomavirus can be transmitted from mother to child during childbirth.

Interestingly, the virus can remain latent (sleeping) in the human body for years without causing visible symptoms. However, under certain conditions, such as a weakened immune system, it can become activated and manifest.

Symptoms and manifestations of papillomavirus

One of the most important symptoms of HPV infection is warts. Warts can occur on the arms, legs, and other areas of the skin. These are painless but sometimes aesthetically unpleasant growths. Condylomas occur in the anogenital area and especially when they develop, they can cause itching, discomfort, and even pain. Cervical dysplasia is a pathological change in the cells of the cervix, which can be detected by a Pap test. If left untreated, it can develop into cancer.

Diagnosis of papillomavirus

The diagnosis of papillomavirus can be made by different methods depending on the symptoms and the location of the lesions.

• Pap test: the analysis of a smear taken from the cervix to identify abnormal cells and thereby detect the early stages of dysplasia
• PCR analysis (polymerase chain reaction): the most accurate diagnostic method to detect the presence of the virus and determine its type
• Colposcopy: a method of visual examination of the cervix with magnification, which can reveal pathological changes
• Biopsy: Removal of a small sample of tissue for histological examination if cancer is suspected

Treatment of papillomavirus

Treatment of HPV depends on the type of virus and the severity of symptoms. It is important to understand that today there is no specific therapy that can eliminate the virus. However, there are methods to treat symptoms and prevent complications.

• Wart removal. This may include laser therapy, cryodestruction (freezing with liquid nitrogen), electrocoagulation, or surgical removal
• Immunotherapy. Drugs are used to strengthen the immune system to suppress the activity of the virus
• Chemotherapy. Used for malignant tumors caused by HPV
• Local treatment. The use of ointments and creams with antiviral components for local action in the affected areas

However, the most effective means of prevention and protection against complications caused by the papillomavirus is vaccination. Today, there are different types of vaccines for the most dangerous types of viruses. The HPV vaccine is most effective when administered before the onset of sexual activity, as this minimizes the risk of infection.

Cervarix and Gardasil are the two main vaccines that protect against highly oncogenic HPV types (16 and 18). Gardasil also protects against types 6 and 11, which cause genital warts. Vaccination is recommended for girls and boys aged 9 to 12, followed by a booster vaccination in adolescence.