Human papillomavirus type 51 belongs to a group of diseases that can cause cancer. In other words, this microorganism is oncogenic. Ironically, it is precisely these forms of the disease that most patients with HPV are infected with - the minority are carriers of relatively harmless strains. However, you can get rid of this problem if you recognize the disease in time and take measures to cure it. So, what is HPV 51, what are the characteristics of this virus and can it be cured with medication?
Types of papillomavirus
Doctors have discovered about 60 types of dangerous infections. It is caused by 130 different strains of the pathogen. The greatest danger is caused by human papilloma viruses types 51 and 56.
In a blood test, the viral agent is detected in 70% of those studied. Among the known types of the pathogen, there are genotypes that are not hazardous to health. These include viruses of types 1–10. Other harmful microorganisms can cause the formation of malignant tumors. Viruses of types 16, 18, 51, 52 and 56 lead to severe cancer.
Routes of infection
Unprotected sex is the main route of transmission of dangerous sexually transmitted infections . The disease often affects girls and women of reproductive age who are in active intimate relationships with multiple partners who do not use condoms. However, barrier contraceptives do not provide 100% protection. Papillomaviruses are so small that they can penetrate the pores of condoms.
Pathogens are transmitted through oral, traditional and anal sexual intercourse. A large percentage of infected people are detected among homosexuals.
A household route of HPV infection cannot be ruled out, when healthy and infected people share personal hygiene products (razors, towels, manicure instruments). The pathogen easily enters the body through microscopic damage to epithelial tissues and mucous membranes.
HPV cannot be detected visually in all infected people. The infection does not produce any symptoms if the person has a strong immune system. In this case, infection takes the form of carriage. The infected person’s body does not suffer from the presence of the pathogen in the blood. However, a person who has received papillomavirus type 51 infects healthy sexual partners.
Vaccination
The achievements of modern doctors have created a vaccine against HPV. It consists of an empty shell of the virus and does not contain its genetic material. It is impossible to become infected with HPV from the vaccine. The vaccine works by introducing L1 capsid proteins, which assemble into virus-like particles and destroy the cells of the actual virus, preventing its further development.
Indications for vaccination
Everyone over 13 years of age and under 25–27 years of age is recommended to get vaccinated. Since HPV is transmitted sexually, vaccinations should be done before becoming sexually active. It is advisable to carry out such vaccination for women over 26 years of age - during the active reproductive period, this way you can significantly reduce the risk of a woman contracting HPV during pregnancy.
Vaccination scheme
The vaccination is done three times - the drug is injected intramuscularly into the shoulder. The interval between the first two injections is two months. The time of administration of the third vaccine is 4 months after the second. When pregnancy occurs, the next dose of the vaccine is transferred to the postpartum period.
In the case when all three vaccinations have been successfully completed within 12 months, vaccination is considered completed successfully. The vaccine is valid for 15 years. But doctors believe that antibodies, thanks to successful vaccination, continue to be produced for many years, apparently throughout life.
Contraindications to vaccination
There are practically no contraindications for vaccinations. Even infection with one type of HPV is not a condition that makes vaccination impossible. But in this situation, it is necessary to consult a doctor about the need for such vaccination.
Of course, vaccination is not given to pregnant women, people suffering from allergic reactions to the components of the drug, as well as during periods of exacerbation of chronic or inflammatory diseases, postponing vaccination until complete recovery.
Why are papillomaviruses dangerous?
Virus strains are grouped according to the degree of risk of cancer. There are 3 groups of viruses:
- Groups 1 and 2 include pathogens with a minimal likelihood of cells degenerating into malignant neoplasms.
- Group 3 includes papillomaviruses 16, 18, 31, 33, 39, 45, 51, 52,59, 68 types. These pathogens pose a great threat to human health and life. They cause the development of cancer cells when they enter the body of a man or woman.
Viruses 16, 18, 31, 39, 51 types lead to the formation of papillomas and genital warts on the mucous membranes of the respiratory canals and genital organs.
The greatest threat is posed by viruses of types 16, 51, 52, 56 and 66. These cancer-dangerous agents provoke the formation of genital warts on the mucous layer of the female and male genitalia.
Papillomavirus types 51, 52 or 56 cause the development of severe cancer. Against their background, sarcomas and carcinomas develop. Tumors with a high degree of malignancy affect the genitourinary organs in women and men.
If a patient is diagnosed with HPV type 51, take into account the fact that the patient’s body is vulnerable to secondary infection with other types of virus. Several types of strains can simultaneously affect a person.
HPV type 51 in women is a dangerous phenomenon that causes cervical canal carcinoma or vulvar cancer. In men, when this type of virus enters the body, cancerous tumors form on the penis and in the anus.
To determine the nature of genital warts that occur on the genitals, mucous membranes of the rectum and in the anus in men and women, a histological examination is performed.
Consequences and danger
As you probably already understood, treatment for HPV 51 is necessary primarily in order to avoid the development of cancer. This is the main danger of the disease in question. Moreover, it can affect not only the cervix, but also the rectum. As mentioned above, this is one of the distinctive features of “our” strain. But oncology is not the only serious complication. Men often experience impotence, and representatives of both sexes experience infertility.
HPV 51 is easy to acquire but difficult to cure. It is even more difficult to detect, and long-term diagnosis takes up a lot of time necessary for proper therapy. It is much easier to prevent the development of the disease. You can also find out by watching this video why HPV is dangerous for women, what types of HPV viruses are the most dangerous?
Features of 51 genotypes
Papillomavirus 51 genotype enters the human body through unprotected intimacy. HPV type 51 is detected less frequently in men than in women. The causative agent of the infection can be transmitted through all types of sexual contact (traditional, anal, oral). The disease affects same-sex and opposite-sex partners.
The virus activates the formation of multiple pointed papillomas - tumors that easily degenerate into malignant formations.
This type of HPV is not able to penetrate the body through household and airborne droplets. Infection occurs only through contact with an infected partner. The pathogen is transmitted through saliva, genital secretions, and blood.
The papillomavirus passes to the child when the baby passes through the infected genital tract. If a pregnant woman is a carrier of HPV 51, the possibility of miscarriage cannot be ruled out. Blood is taken from all expectant mothers to identify strains of the papilloma virus.
If 51 genotypes with high oncogenicity are detected, it is predicted how the pathogen will affect the development of mutational processes in the female reproductive system:
- will it lead to catastrophic hormonal imbalance,
- Will it cause cervical cancer?
After treatment, women are advised to use condoms during sexual intercourse for the next 2 years.
Papillomavirus type 51 is detected in the blood of patients who had an artificial termination of pregnancy outside a medical facility. An operation performed in violation of the technological process often ends in damage to the cervix. Wounds heal over time. On the keratinized layer that appears on the mucous membrane, favorable conditions are created for the life of the papillomavirus.
Prevention
Of course, one of the main preventive measures against HPV 51 is timely vaccination. But, since the disease develops in people with weakened immune systems, the main task is to strengthen the body’s defenses. This is facilitated by:
- correct lifestyle and rational mode of work and rest;
- rejection of bad habits;
- elimination of immunodeficiency conditions;
- balanced nutrition and a complex of vitamins that should be taken in spring and autumn.
And, of course, since the papillomavirus is transmitted sexually, it is quite important to pay attention to sexual contacts. It is advisable to have a permanent partner, always use protection during sexual intercourse and do not forget about the rules of personal hygiene.
If neoplasms or even minor symptoms of pathology appear, you must consult a doctor who will diagnose the pathology and prescribe appropriate treatment. This will help reduce the risk of developing cancer and even save lives.
Diagnostics
To identify 51 genotypes, the following research methods are used:
- Gynecological examinations. With visual diagnostics, it is easy to notice neoplasms in visible areas of the skin and mucous layer.
- During a preventive examination, the doctor takes biomaterial to perform laboratory tests. Women after 30 years of age undergo colposcopy. The procedure must be performed if cervical canal dysplasia or erosion is detected.
- The removed tumors are examined. Histological tests help to detect pathological cells, the size of which is significantly larger than the healthy elementary structures that form the epithelium of the cervix.
- PCR is an ultra-precise research method for differentiating all identified types of HPV.
Treatment methods
A person is saved from papillomavirus type 51 using conservative and radical methods. This infection is quite difficult to treat. The disease often leads to infertility or requires surgical intervention. In severe cases, the genitals are partially removed.
Surgery
Tumors are excised using:
- scalpel,
- radio wave radiation,
- electrocoagulation method,
- laser,
- cryodestruction method (freezing with liquid nitrogen),
- chemicals (podophyllin, acetic acid compounds).
Therapeutic treatment
To cure an infection caused by HPV type 51, medications with antiviral effects are used. The doctor prescribes the medications and dosage.
In addition, they pay attention to strengthening the immune system. To strengthen the protective mechanisms, the following is taken:
- regulate the daily routine,
- adjust nutrition (use foods rich in vitamins, antioxidants, omega fatty acids),
- immunomodulators (interferon) and multivitamins are prescribed,
- hardening is practiced.
Strengthening the immune system is the basis for treating and preventing HPV. Local medications eliminate only the manifested symptoms of the disease. Strong immunity suppresses the development of the virus.
Preventive actions
Since no medicine kills HPV, and only a healthy body can cope with this task, measures must be taken to strengthen the immune system. To do this, it is recommended to eat right, follow a daily routine and avoid stress.
Sexual contacts should be protected whenever possible, but it should be remembered that barrier contraception does not provide 100% protection against HPV, since the condom may not isolate all contacting areas of damaged skin, and the virus particles are very small in size.
Vaccination against the virus is given to children aged 10-12 years before puberty. This primarily concerns girls, since HPV penetrates the female body more often, but to prevent the circulation of the harmful agent, it is recommended to vaccinate boys as well. For adults, vaccination does not help develop immunity, so it is used only if HPV has already been diagnosed.
It is very important to pay attention to neoplasms, since they tend to become malignant. Early detection of viruses, treatment of the consequences of their impact on the body and taking measures to increase immunity significantly increase the chances of preventing unpleasant consequences.
