HPV, or human papillomavirus, is the most common infection in the world. HPV affects the skin and mucous membranes: it is because of it that warts, papillomas and condylomas are formed. The virus is most often transmitted sexually, in addition, infection is possible through close bodily contact, when a newborn passes through the birth canal. In order to prevent HPV infection in Russia, a vaccine has been registered that protects against four types of papillomavirus – 16, 18, 6, and 11.
What is the danger of the virus
The papilloma virus lives in human blood and does not manifest itself until a certain time. The incubation period can last from several weeks to decades. But as soon as the immune system weakens, growths appear on the skin and / or mucous membranes. According to the degree of danger, papillomaviruses are divided into three groups: 1. papillomaviruses of low oncogenic risk (HPV 3, 6, 11, 13, 32, 34, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 51, 61, 72, 73); 2. papillomaviruses of average oncogenic risk (HPV 30, 35, 45, 52, 53, 56, 58); 3. papillomaviruses of high oncogenic risk (HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 39, 50, 59, 64, 68, 70).
Screening examinations are most often aimed at identifying oncogenic viruses types 16 and 18. Patients with high oncogenic HPV type are at risk for cervical cancer.
