DNA of type 16 HPV: genome structure, features and treatment of the disease

The human papillomavirus (HPV) has been known for many years. Scientists have long established the relationship 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.

The ways of HPV transmission

Since the human papillomavirus is one of the most common, anyone can become infected with it. In both women and men, type 16 HPV DNA can be detected. This kind of virus always guards doctors, since it belongs to the group of oncogenes and has a high risk of developing malignant tumors. The most frequent way to transmit HPV is sexual. This is due to the fact that in most cases it lives on the genitals. In addition, the virus can be transmitted by the contact-household way, which is much less common. This occurs only when the affected parts of the mucous membrane come into contact with a healthy tissue. Sometimes, HPV is observed in children who receive it from the mother during childbirth.

What causes the papillomavirus?

Currently, many different types of HPV have been investigated, as well as the effect of each of them on the human body. It depends on the structure of the virus genome, which differs from them. 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.

DNA of HPV type 16: structure

The diameter of human papillomavirus is 50 nm. The shape of HPV resembles a geometric figure - the 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 DNA of Type 16 HPV has an infectious and transforming component. The coding genome chain contains 10 frames for reading, which can be early and late. This is determined by their location in the DNA structure. The coding part carries information about 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.

Papillomavirus 16 types in men and women

HPV occurs in many people, but only a small part 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, the diagnosis of HPV is carried out 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 genitalia. Usually there are oncogenic HPV types there. 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 of the effect of this virus with the degeneration of cells. HPV type 16 in men can lead to cancer of the external genitalia and the formation of papillomas in the oral cavity.

Methods for diagnosis of papillomavirus

Most often for the detection of HPV in women, the survey 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 medication. The study takes material from the cervical canal and urethra. After taking the smear, it is sent to the 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 determine the level of antibody titer to HPV, as well as the presence of a chronic process.

HPV type 16: treatment

When papillomavirus is detected, it is necessary first of all to work on strengthening the immune system. In connection with the danger of HPV 16 type of treatment is extremely necessary. If a woman has conditions such as cervical erosion, genital warts, erythro- and lymphoplakia, dysplasia, they should be urgently disposed of. This is possible with the help of diathermocoagulation or cryodestruction. In addition, therapy includes the intake of antiviral drugs, protection from hypothermia and stress, normalization of diet and daily regimen.