HPV is present in 90% of the population. There are 170 known strain types. They cause warts, papillomas, and condylomas on the skin. The human papillomavirus is not dangerous because of its clinical manifestations, but because of its ability to alter cell nuclei.
The Danger of the Presence of the Papilloma Virus in the Body
The disease is insidious because, after penetrating the body, the pathogen can remain dormant for decades without manifesting itself in any way. The main factor that triggers the activation of the infection is the weakening of immunity. The infection enters the nuclei of healthy cells of epithelial tissues, where DNA molecules are concentrated. The virus integrates into the cell nucleus and triggers accelerated division. The response to a specific type of infection causes new cells not to mature or perform defense functions. In the event that the carrier is predisposed, oncogenic protein synthesis occurs in these neoplasias. The degree of danger of the papilloma virus for people varies by gender.
For Men
In men, the infection is rarely activated in the body. Most of the formations that appear are benign, with low oncogenicity. The predominant area of localization is the organs of the urogenital system, groin and anus, as well as the oral mucosa. Less commonly, they are located on the back, chest, neck, face, joints, feet, and hands.
. Papillomas can be easily removed by surgical or instrumental methods. The development of the disease leads to the appearance of condylomas on the penis and scrotum, which can subsequently suppurate.
Any formation on the genitals is a reason for medical consultation. For men, HPV is dangerous:
- Strain 16 alters the structures of skin and mucous tissues, forming plaques on the glans penis.
- Strains 31, 33, and 35 cause different types of papulosis, proliferations throughout the body, not only in the groin.
- Strain 51 of the virus causes the growth of numerous condylomas on the genitals and anal area (condylomatosis). It is often accompanied by anal neoplasia, chlamydia, and mycoplasmosis.
- Strain 52 has evident manifestations of danger: fever, chills, weakness, herpetic eruptions, and subsequent development of proliferations. If the immunity is suppressed by causes other than HPV, cancer develops, including intestinal cancer.
For Women
HPV infection in women is more common and evident than in men. The female body is more exposed to stress, hormonal changes (during menstruation, ovulation, pregnancy, and lactation), and a weakened immune system. The warts appear anywhere on the body, grow rapidly, and have an intense color. Most neoplasms do not pose a health hazard and are manifestations of papillomatosis.
They can cause discomfort and pain if accidentally injured.
Viruses that are provisionally grouped in group A9, which cause cancer, pose the greatest threat to women’s health. Several strain types of infection affect the urogenital system of men: 16, 18, 31, 33, 39, 51, 52, 56, 58, and 59. In women, in addition to the external genital organs and the anal area, the cervix is also at risk.
What are the Most Dangerous Types
According to the degree of oncological risk, the most dangerous HPV strains are:
| Number | Incubation period | External manifestations |
| 16 | May remain latent for up to 20 years |
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| 18 | Usually manifests within the first year |
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The disease progresses rapidly and can be asymptomatic until the final stages, when treatment is no longer effective. Contagion occurs:
- Sexually (the use of barrier contraceptives does not protect against viral infection).
- Through everyday items and clothing.
- By contact.
- Transmission from a mother infected by the virus to her newborn during childbirth.
Features of the Diagnosis of Dangerous HPV Strains
The first step is an external examination by a doctor: a colposcopy, which allows for the detection of suspicious formations. If there are no visible neoplasms, it is necessary to treat the skin surface with acetic acid (3%), after which small papillomas will appear.
Precise diagnostic methods for the danger of the virus:
- A biopsy, a histological examination, allows for the detection of specific oncological markers in tissues or the extirpated papilloma.
- Cytological analysis, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR), confirms the presence of infection in the body. DNA analysis identifies the specific strain. In gynecology, a sample is taken from the female genitals for analysis.
- The Digene test, to detect 8 types of oncogenic HPV.
With the test results and the examination, the doctor will establish an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Prognosis of the Course of the Disease
There is no universal vaccine. To combat the infection, a complex is used:
- Elimination of formations that threaten complications: that are often injured and bleed.
- Use of antiviral drugs.
- Use of immunomodulatory drugs and vitamins.
The result of the treatment is the stimulation of the body’s resistance, the suppression of the virus, and its maintenance in a latent state. If the immunity is strong and preventive measures are taken, the disease may not manifest itself throughout life. Periodic medical check-ups, regular examinations, and the observation of all skin formations allow for the early detection of the disease.
Research on the most dangerous HPV strains has enabled scientists to create experimental vaccines against strains 16 and 18. In the US and some European countries, vaccines based on them are mandatory for girls from a young age (5 to 12 years old) as a prophylactic for cervical cancer. This vaccination is not mandatory in Russia.
