Papillomavirus infection (PVI) - belongs to the group of human pathogens (transmits only from person to person).
The route of infection depends on several options for the development of the event: through sexual contact, through blood, through domestic means (with the underlying disease form - "warts").
Infection method
As mentioned above, there are only three main routes of infection - through sexual contact, through blood, and through household means.
HPV can penetrate the protective barriers of the skin, mucous membranes and circulatory system, and have extremely negative effects on the health of patients.
Typically, a person experiences:
- persistent weakness.
- Feeling nauseous, in severe hypochondriasis.
- pain syndrome.
- Urinary and reproductive problems (difficulty urinating, severe paroxysmal pain in the perineum).
- A burning sensation in the groin.
- Dizziness on the background of frequent increases in body temperature.
- The body's protective function is generally reduced (frequent colds, longer recovery period after illness).
- Itching of the skin, accompanied by the appearance of papilloma.
In order to recognize the presence of a viral infection and promptly consult a doctor, it is necessary to take into account the preconditions for the development of this disease.
Prerequisites for Infection
The most common prerequisites for developing HPV include:
- decrease in immunity.
- The presence of other chronic diseases can destroy the body's resistance to various attacks from outside.
- We're talking about hepatitis, human immunodeficiency (HIV), cardiovascular disease, genetic abnormalities, rare genetic diseases.
- promiscuous sexual relations.
- Unprotected sexual contact.
- Infection of loved ones in daily life: kissing, hugging while using plates, sheets, towels.
- Use public cultural and entertainment venues.
- Visit a beauty salon.
- Share personal items: combs, nail accessories.
important!
Timely vaccination will prevent the most aggressive types of the virus.
way for spreading
With the help of cerebrospinal fluid (blood, saliva, sweat), papillomavirus is spread through physical contact, transplacentally (transplantation from an infected surface).
Therefore, if there are sick people at home, it is necessary to constantly treat all surfaces with special antiseptics, follow strict regulations regarding personal contact and monitor skin conditions (even micro-cracks can be the initial area damage).
Can HPV be contracted through household contact?
Papillomavirus infection can be transmitted entirely through ordinary objects as well as through saliva. This should not be forgotten if there are patients at home.
Allocation Mechanism:
- kiss, hug. With saliva and sweat, PVI is passed from one person to another. This is possible because the virus can move freely through mucous membranes and is present in saliva and cerebrospinal fluid.
- When using personal hygiene products that belong to the patient.
- when shaking hands. Microtraumas of the skin can be excellent conductors of infection.
- When using shared utensils.
- When transferring things or objects from an infected person to a healthy person (the infection is very resistant to the influence of environmental factors).
Can HPV be sexually transmitted?
Since mucous membranes, skin and their derivatives (secretions, blood vessels, saliva) are carriers of genetic material, it is possible to contract HPV through sexual contact; and when using public baths, saunas.
Transmission mechanism:
- Directly during sexual contact (especially oral and anal sex).
- When using shared showers, bathtubs, saunas. Without proper antiseptic and antibacterial treatment, these places can become breeding grounds for various infections.
- When using your partner's underwear and clothing (especially women who like to wear men's shirts, t-shirts, shorts, house shorts).
Can the virus be passed from mother to child?
Mother-to-child transmission is known as the "vertical transplant route". This type of papillomavirus transmission is the most dangerous one because it can harm a child's body and mind.
After receiving HPV, especially in the early stages (1m), doctors insist on abortion for medical reasons.
autoinfection
Self-infection can only occur when untreated hygiene products are used. For example: razors, toothbrushes, nail clippers and similar items.
With this form of papillomavirus transmission, patients can live a normal life without discomfort for a long time. When the first symptoms of the disease appear (which are very similar to mediocre overexertion), he ignores them and doesn't go to the doctor.
Which type of HPV is the most dangerous?
The most dangerous types of human papillomavirus (HPV) include types 16 and 18. Their strains can cause the appearance of malignancies - cancerous tumors that metastasize as they grow.
The most common manifestations of exposure to virus strains are the development of the following diseases: cervical cancer, infertility, lung and bronchial changes, severe shortage of immunoglobulins.
notes! Cervical cancer occurs because the virus is the most aggressive. Most papillomas are not dangerous.
diagnosis
To detect the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in the human body, some of the most sophisticated hardware technologies can help.
- Colposcopy. A colposcope is a medical device that allows you to accurately determine changes in the mucous membranes of the genitourinary system: to detect inflammation, damage and the spread of viral, fungal bacteria. It is used to determine whether HPV is present in the body and ultimately to confirm the diagnosis. The device is able to: At 30x magnification, find the source of inflammation, determine its nature, and scratch directly on the affected area.
- PCR check. This laboratory method is the differential diagnosis for this type of disease. PCR makes it difficult to determine the type of virus and the route of infection. For this analysis, sampling of biological material is required: blood, urine, sperm.
- Dual genetic testing. A modern diagnostic technique based on isolating a small patch of affected skin for study. Using this method, medical professionals can tell with 100% accuracy what kind of virus is present in the body, what concentration it is, whether it is in reactive form, and to which antiviral drugs it is susceptible.
- cytology. This is the study of problems at the cellular level. To do this, the upper layer of the papilloma is removed and a separate part of the mucosa is taken out. With the help of a heavy-duty microscope and a set of basic reagents, laboratory assistants study the behavior of the virus, its effects on the body (making predictions), the extent of damage to the body's internal systems.
- Histological diagnosis. The purpose of this technique is to study morphological changes in tissues. Study material was obtained by biopsy.
treat
Treatment for HPV includes strict adherence to sexual abstinence, the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, immune-modulating drugs, vitamin complexes, and drugs that reduce the virus’s impact on the body.
You should also limit the use of personal items, hygiene items, cutlery, and bedding by healthy people. When a malignant tumor caused by a virus occurs, corrective treatment or surgical intervention with a longer recovery period is required.
ways to prevent disease
The main ways to prevent HPV are:
- Follow hygiene and family living space regulations.
- Use of contraceptives.
- Take control of your health by professional experts.
- Use personal hygiene products strictly for their intended purpose and not transfer them to third parties.
- Avoid places with increased risk of infection: baths, saunas, swimming pools, water parks, massage and beauty salons.
- Protects the skin from a multitude of external factors.
- Protect your health by isolating yourself from anyone suffering from any infectious and viral diseases, skin diseases.
It is simply impossible to deal with complex viral infections alone. Medical control, seeking qualified help from a broad group of specialists in a timely manner will be the first and most serious step towards solving existing problems.
In the event of such a problem, a routine diagnosis of one of the family members should be performed immediately and all instructions from the doctor should be followed to avoid the spread of the virus. Also, we should not forget precautions that help prevent infection.