Tests for HPV detection: types, features of studies and interpretation of results. HPV test: deciphering the results HPV high viral load
HPV (human papillomavirus, papillomavirus, HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. The main danger of HPV is that with a long stay in the body, some types of itviruses can cause cancer.This virus is very common. The vast majority of sexually active women will sooner or later become infected with HPV. But the good news is that in most of these women, HPV will be cleared by the immune system and will not cause any disease.Only in rare cases does the papilloma virus remain in the body for a long time and cause health problems.
Different types of HPV can cause different diseases.
What diseases can they cause?
HPV 1, HPV 2, HPV 4
Heel warts, common warts
HPV 3, HPV 10, HPV 28, HPV 49
Flat warts
HPV 6, HPV 11, HPV 30
Genital warts (condylomas), laryngeal warts (laryngeal papillomas, laryngeal papillomatosis)
HPV 16, HPV 18, HPV 31, HPV 33, HPV 35, HPV 39, HPV 52, HPV 56, HPV 58
Cervical dysplasia, cervical cancer
HPV 26, HPV 29, HPV 57
Common warts
Common warts, flat warts
HPV 34, HPV 55
Rarely precancerous changes
Common warts, flat warts, genital warts
Genital warts (condylomas), rarely precancerous changes
HPV 40, HPV 43, HPV 44, HPV 54
Genital warts
Genital warts, cervical dysplasia, cervical cancer
Hybrid capture method, also called Digene HPV test, HPV DNA test
This is a newer and more effective method for diagnosing HPV infection, which has several advantages over PCR. The HPV DNA test requires a scraping from the cervix or cervical canal.
This HPV test is considered quantitative because it allows you to determine the concentration of the virus in the test material (HPV viral load). This test, like PCR, allows you to type HPV (determine the types of identified viruses).
Only a gynecologist or oncologist can decipher the results of this test, but in this article we will present the main meanings of the possible results
Parameter under study
Result
(quantitation)
What does this mean
A9 (HPV 16, HPV 31, HPV 33, HPV 35, HPV 52, HPV 58)
A7 (HPV 18, HPV 39, HPV 45, HPV 59, HPV 68)
A5/A6 (HPV 51, HPV 56)
No DNA found
There are no HPV types of these types in the body
less than 3 Lg (HPV/10^5 cells) – clinically insignificant amount of HPV
There are HPV types of the indicated types in the body, but their number is very small and therefore they cannot cause any diseases
3 - 5 Lg (HPV/10^5 cells) – clinically significant amount of HPV
There are HPV types of the indicated types in the body and their quantity is sufficient to cause the disease
more than 5 Lg (HPV/10^5 cells) – increased viral load
There are HPV types of the indicated types in the body and their number is so high that there is a high risk of serious consequences
According to recent studies, more than 80% of the young population of the entire Earth are carriers of human papillomavirus infection (PVI). At the moment, several diagnostic methods have been developed that make it possible to determine HPV indicators with maximum accuracy.
What types of HPV tests are there?
The most common types of examination for papillomavirus today are PCR (polymerase chain reaction) analysis and Digene test. The efficiency of HPV detection is 100%. The material for these studies is urogenital scraping. These techniques allow not only to differentiate the type of virus present in the body, but also to determine the stage of development of the disease and formulate predictions for its course. Normally, the amount of HPV is not determined during these laboratory tests.
At the present stage, various methods for diagnosing human papillomavirus have been developed. Their diversity makes it possible to achieve various diagnostic purposes. Typically used:
- To detect HPV DNA, a general test is carried out to qualitatively determine the genotypes of viruses of various types. In this case, specialists can determine whether a person is infected. The disadvantage of this method is that the study cannot detect a clinically significant concentration of the pathogen in the body. This is due to the fact that this method is based on identifying the formation of the body’s immune response to the penetration of the human papillomavirus into it, which is expressed in the production of specific antibodies.
- Quantitative testing of biomaterial for papillomavirus allows not only to determine the type of pathogen, but also to determine the degree of its viral load. Normally, deciphering a quantitative HPV analysis gives the result of containing less than 105 copies of viral DNA in 100 thousand epithelial cells. The HPV test result is positive if laboratory diagnostic data exceed this indicator. This also indicates an increased risk of developing cancer in the patient.
What HPV test results should be considered normal?
When examining for HPV, test results should only be interpreted by a qualified specialist, since it is necessary to take into account not only numerical data, but also other clinical manifestations of the disease, as well as the patient’s medical history.
When a patient is tested for HPV in a laboratory, the normal result is negative. If a positive response is determined during diagnostic measures, this indicates the presence of a pathogen in the body. This should be the reason for more accurate diagnosis and treatment of a dangerous disease.
The results of the analysis give the conclusion “common HPV”, what does this mean? If a similar conclusion was issued during a laboratory examination, this indicates that papillomavirus was detected in the body of the person being examined, but its type was not determined. In this case, it is necessary to undergo additional examination in order to differentiate the pathogen. When determining the type of HPV, its ability to provoke the development of cancer processes in the body is important.
What does the term “HPV reference values” mean?
The term “reference” means data obtained during the conduct and evaluation of laboratory studies of a certain category of people (for example, the age category of 20-30 years or pregnant women, etc.). These values are the average results of a specific laboratory indicator obtained as a result of a mass survey of the population.
The information regarding these values may vary depending on the laboratory that determines them. However, for human papillomavirus (HPV), the norm is negative.
Decoding the HPV test
Normally, the result of an HPV test is negative, that is, viral genotypes are not detected in the biological material.
In the case when the test for human papillomavirus is positive, the laboratory test data indicates how clinically significant the amount of HPV is. The viral load is also determined. The analysis of human papillomavirus is carried out in 3 main groups separately, depending on the oncological intensity of the strain.
The unit of measurement is the content of pathogen Lg genomic equivalents per 100,000 human epithelial cells.
- Lg< 3 - концентрация ВПЧ клинически малозначимая;
- Lg 3-5 (for 10 * 5 epithelial cells there are 10 5 copies of HPV genome equivalents). This is a clinically significant amount of HPV, there is a risk of developing dysplasia;
- Lg > 5 (genomic equivalents of HPV 10 in degree 5 or more) - increased viral load, high probability of developing dysplasia.
If the result of the examination for human papillomavirus is negative, one should take into account the dependence of the reliability of the data obtained on the patient’s compliance with the recommendations for preparing for the examination and the correctness of taking material for the study. It is also necessary to take into account the list of DNA-detectable HPVs, since the patient may have a type of pathogen present in the body that is not included in this list.
Can testing for papillomavirus be wrong?
It also happens that a positive HPV test does not guarantee the presence of the disease. During an HPV test, a false positive result is possible if:
- the biological material taken for research was contaminated;
- the examination was carried out immediately after treatment and the dead pathogen had not yet been completely eliminated from the body;
- the collection or examination of the biomaterial was carried out incorrectly;
- the person being examined did not comply with the recommendations for preparing for the study. This may occur if the patient urinated less than 1.5 hours before the examination.
The test to determine HPV and its type is simple to perform and does not require special efforts from the patient to prepare for it. When examining for human papillomavirus, test results are known already 7-10 days after the test.
What to do if HPV titers are elevated for a long time?
Normally, quantitative determination of HPV gives a negative result. An increased content of oncogenic strains of the human papillomavirus in the body for a long time can provoke the development of cancer processes in epithelial cells. In this case, experts recommend vaccination and constant monitoring of the dynamics of the life processes of the pathogen. This will prevent the development of malignant neoplasms or at least carry out their early diagnosis and prescribe timely therapy.
What does it mean if the HPV test is negative, but there are papillomas?
A similar picture can be observed when there are no high concentrations of the pathogen in the human body at the time of examination. The fact is that the papilloma virus is immune-dependent. That is, if the body’s immune forces are in good condition, it can independently suppress the activation of the pathogen’s vital processes. In this case, treatment simply comes down to removing papillomas using any of the known methods, followed by histological and cytological examination. After removal of tumors, it is recommended to undergo HPV testing 2 times a year to monitor the cure. Upon repeated examination, deciphering the results of the analysis for papillomavirus may give a positive answer.
What to do if the test result for papillomavirus is positive?
If positive laboratory test data are received, the tactics of further action are determined by the attending physician. There are many factors that influence specific treatment.
If papillomavirus is diagnosed for the first time in a young patient, it is very likely that the doctor will not prescribe drug therapy. This is due to the fact that in the initial stages of infection, provided the human immune system is functioning normally, the body is able to cope with the pathogen itself. As a result, this ends with the patient’s self-healing.
Since modern advances in pharmaceutical science have not yet made it possible to achieve a complete cure for PVI, in most cases therapeutic measures are aimed primarily at eliminating the manifestations of the papilloma virus, and not at its elimination in the body. Moreover, the effectiveness of various therapeutic methods reaches 70%.
In some cases, patients are shown only destructive methods of treatment, that is, removal of tumors on the skin and mucous membranes in various ways (laser, radio waves, cryodestruction, and others). In other clinical situations, an integrated approach to the patient’s rehabilitation is required - a combination of destructive, medicinal and immunological types of therapy. The immunological method involves the use of specific proteins - interferons.
A special category of patients are pregnant women. The decision on the advisability of treatment is made for each woman individually, taking into account the pattern of manifestations. General recommendations during pregnancy are to avoid exposure of a woman’s body to factors that lead to a deterioration of immunity. These include increased emotional stress, the presence of chronic fatigue, the development of vitamin deficiency, and hypothermia. Drug treatment is in most cases contraindicated for pregnant women, as this can negatively affect the development of the fetus.
In any case, a doctor should decipher the results, because a positive answer may not always indicate an exact infection with papillomavirus infection.
HPV (human papillomavirus, papillomavirus, HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. The main danger of HPV is that when it stays in the body for a long time, some types of this virus can cause cancer.
HPV is not the same as the herpes virus or HIV. Although all of these infections are viral and are transmitted during unprotected sex, they cause different symptoms and different consequences.
How does HPV infection occur?
There are more than 120 different types of HPV, and about 40 of them are sexually transmitted. The types of HPV that most often cause and are transmitted mainly during unprotected sex.
HPV infection is possible during vaginal and. Less commonly, the virus is transmitted during oral sex, or through contact of the genitals with the secretions of an infected person (for example, if the infected partner first touches his genitals and then your genitals).
HPV infection is also possible through kissing. In this case, symptoms of oral papillomavirus infection (rash in the mouth and throat) may appear.
The human papillomavirus is almost never transmitted through household contact, unless you come into close contact (kissing, sex) with a carrier of the virus.
In rare cases, HPV can be passed from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth.
Who can get HPV?
This virus is very common. The vast majority of sexually active women will sooner or later become infected with HPV. But the good news is that in most of these women, HPV will be cleared by the immune system and will not cause any disease.
Only in rare cases does the papilloma virus remain in the body for a long time and cause health problems.
What types of HPV are there and why does it matter?
In total, there are more than 120 types of HPV and about 70 of them have been properly studied. Depending on how often a particular type of virus causes cancer, there are 2 groups of HPV: papillomaviruses of high oncogenic risk and low oncogenic risk.
High oncogenic risk HPV includes the following types: HPV 16, HPV 18, HPV 31, HPV 33, HPV 35, HPV 39, HPV 45, HPV 51, HPV 52, HPV 56, HPV 58, HPV 59, HPV 68
HPV of low oncogenic risk is: HPV 6, HPV 11, HPV 42, HPV 43, HPV 44
Non-oncogenic HPVs (non-cancer causing): HPV 1, HPV 2, HPV 3, HPV 4, HPV 5, HPV 10, HPV 27, HPV 53, HPV 54, HPV 55, HPV 62, HPV 67
Among the papillomaviruses of high oncogenic risk, types 3 are the most dangerous, since they cause cervical cancer in 94% of cases: these are HPV 16, HPV 18 and, to a lesser extent, HPV 45. Among these three types of HPV, type 16 is the most dangerous, since it poses the greatest carcinogenic risk (more often than others it causes the formation of cancer cells in the body).
What diseases can HPV cause?
Different types of HPV can cause different diseases.
What diseases can they cause? |
|
HPV 1, HPV 2, HPV 4 |
Heel warts, common warts |
HPV 3, HPV 10, HPV 28, HPV 49 |
Flat warts |
HPV 6, HPV 11, HPV 30 |
Genital warts (condylomas), laryngeal warts (laryngeal papillomas, laryngeal papillomatosis) |
HPV 16, HPV 18, HPV 31, HPV 33, HPV 35, HPV 39, HPV 52, HPV 56, HPV 58 |
Cervical dysplasia, cervical cancer |
HPV 26, HPV 29, HPV 57 |
Common warts |
Common warts, flat warts |
|
HPV 34, HPV 55 |
Rarely precancerous changes |
Common warts, flat warts, genital warts |
|
Genital warts (condylomas), rarely precancerous changes |
|
HPV 40, HPV 43, HPV 44, HPV 54 |
Genital warts |
Genital warts, cervical dysplasia, cervical cancer |
How dangerous is HPV for women?
As a rule, infection with the human papillomavirus occurs unnoticed by a woman, and just as imperceptibly, this virus disappears from the body thanks to the work of the immune system. In 90% of cases, after infection, the virus disappears from the body on its own within several months or years, leaving no consequences.
According to statistics, only 5% of women infected with HPV will have pronounced changes in the cervix (grade 2 or 3 dysplasia) after 3 years.
Only 20% of women with grade 3 dysplasia will develop cervical cancer over the next 5 years.
What symptoms does HPV cause in women?
The length of the incubation period (time from infection to the appearance of the first symptoms) for HPV infection depends on the type of HPV and some other factors. For example, from the moment of infection with HPV type 6 or 11 until the appearance of genital warts, an average of 3 weeks to 8 months passes. From the moment of infection with HPV type 16 or 18 to the development of cervical cancer, it can take 10-20 years or more.
In most cases, HPV infection is asymptomatic. However, human papillomavirus may present with the following symptoms:
- Appearance of (genital warts).
- Appearing after sex or for no apparent reason.
During a gynecological examination, your doctor may notice signs of cervical dysplasia or cancer. In the early stages, the gynecologist may not notice any changes in the cervix, so it is very important for all women to have regular tests.
Diagnosis of HPV in women
HPV testing is one component of cervical cancer screening. Every woman over 30 years of age is recommended to get tested for HPV and repeat it periodically every 3-5 years.
There are two main methods for detecting HPV in the body:
PCR for human papillomavirus
This is a qualitative analysis that allows you to determine only the presence or absence of HPV in the body, but does not determine the number of viral particles (viral load). Using PCR, you can determine the type of papilloma virus (HPV genotyping) and identify the most dangerous (oncogenic) types of HPV.
The test can be performed using blood (HPV blood test) or smears from the cervix and cervical canal. A gynecologist or oncologist interprets the results.
Hybrid capture method, also called Digene HPV test, HPV DNA test
This is a newer and more effective method for diagnosing HPV infection, which has several advantages over PCR. The HPV DNA test requires a scraping from the cervix or cervical canal.
This HPV test is considered quantitative because it allows you to determine the concentration of the virus in the test material (HPV viral load). This test, like PCR, allows you to type HPV (determine the types of identified viruses).
Only a gynecologist or oncologist can decipher the results of this test, but in this article we will present the main meanings of the possible results:
Parameter under study |
Result (quantitation) |
What does this mean |
A9 (HPV 16, HPV 31, HPV 33, HPV 35, HPV 52, HPV 58) A7 (HPV 18, HPV 39, HPV 45, HPV 59, HPV 68) A5/A6 (HPV 51, HPV 56) |
No DNA found |
There are no HPV types of these types in the body |
less than 3 Lg (HPV/10^5 cells) – clinically insignificant amount of HPV |
There are HPV types of the indicated types in the body, but their number is very small and therefore they cannot cause any diseases |
|
3 - 5 Lg (HPV/10^5 cells) – clinically significant amount of HPV |
There are HPV types of the indicated types in the body and their quantity is sufficient to cause the disease |
|
more than 5 Lg (HPV/10^5 cells) – increased viral load |
There are HPV types of the indicated types in the body and their number is so high that there is a high risk of serious consequences |
In addition to HPV testing, cervical cancer screening also includes. If you have been diagnosed with high-risk HPV and/or cytology reveals suspicious changes, your doctor may recommend further testing:
ColposcopyColposcopy is an examination of the cervix using a special device that works like a magnifying glass. There is a separate article on our website dedicated to.
Cervical biopsyHow often should you get tested for HPV?
In order not to miss a dangerous HPV infection, all women are recommended to regularly undergo HPV tests and cytology smears.
Women under 30:
If tests for high-risk HPV are negative, then the next test should be done in 3-5 years.
If tests for high-risk HPV are positive and the cytology smear is normal, then a repeat examination is carried out after 9-12 months.
If tests for high-risk HPV are positive and the cytology smear is abnormal, then further diagnostics (colposcopy, cervical biopsy) are required. Depending on the results of these examinations, the doctor gives appropriate recommendations.
Women over 30 years old:
If tests for high-risk HPV are negative, the cytology smear is normal, then the next examination should be done in 5 years.
If tests for high-risk HPV are positive, a colposcopy and, if necessary, a cervical biopsy are required. Depending on the results of these examinations, the doctor gives appropriate recommendations.
Women over 65 years of age:
If the last 2 tests for high-risk HPV and the last 2 smears for cytology were normal, then examinations can no longer be carried out, since the risk of developing cervical cancer in the future is extremely small.
What should I do if I have been diagnosed with HPV?
Not all types of HPV can cause dangerous diseases, so first of all, check with your doctor how great the threat is in your situation.
HPV prevention
The main route of infection with the human papillomavirus is unprotected sex. Use helps to significantly reduce the risk of HPV infection, although condoms do not provide a 100% guarantee of protection.
The more sexual partners a woman has had in her life, the higher the risk of becoming infected with HPV. Permanent monogamous relationships significantly reduce the risk of HPV infection.
Currently, there are vaccinations against human papillomavirus: Gardasil and Cervarix. The vaccine is effective against HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18 (protects against cervical cancer and genital warts), and the Cervarix vaccine is effective against HPV types 16 and 18 (protects against cervical cancer, but not against genital warts).
Decoding the HPV analysis is an integral part of the diagnostic study. Based on the data obtained, the doctor makes a decision on the necessary therapeutic tactics. Correctly conducted analysis and reliably deciphered results allow you to choose the right treatment.
Human papillomavirus is an infectious disease that cannot be completely cured. Some people experience recurring infections that negatively impact their health and quality of life. Such patients are recommended to undergo periodic examination to detect the type of HPV, the nature of its severity and oncogenic degree.
Modern medicine uses several diagnostic methods for quantitative control of papillomavirus:
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Study of the presence of antibodies in the body. Antibodies are specific proteins that are produced as an immune response to pathogen activity. Immunoglobulins are unique to each specific infection.
- The Digene test (Hibrit Capture hybrid capture method) is designed to determine the 18 most dangerous types of HPV. The essence of the method is to stain the biopsy material with special fluorescent substances. When a virus is detected in the materials being examined, a highlight occurs.
- PCR is one of the most informative methods for diagnosing HPV. The analysis is based on artificially increasing copies of the pathogen's DNA. It is possible to identify even single viruses with the highest accuracy.
After conducting a laboratory study, specialists begin to decipher the results obtained.
Results table
When conducting an HPV analysis, the results are summarized in a table, which includes information about quantitative and qualitative indicators.
This table provides general information about possible indicators based on PCR analysis.
The laboratory sheet indicates all types of HPV for the presence of which the test was carried out. In most cases, these are 12 types - 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59 of medium and high oncogenic degree.
The mark “absence of DNA” and a viral load of less than 3 Lg indicates the complete absence of the virus or its insignificant amount. No treatment required. The infection may be present in the human body, but does not produce any effect. No growths are observed.
A concentration of 3–5 indicates the presence of a small amount of the virus. Women in whose body papillomavirus is detected must undergo additional examination to exclude the presence of cervical dysplasia. Patients receive general immune-strengthening treatment. If condylomas are present, removal is performed.
A positive test result at a concentration above 5 indicates a danger to humans. The body is infected with a virus. The likelihood of developing cervical dysplasia in women is increased. Additional analyzes are being carried out. Treatment consists of removal of growths, large-scale antiviral and immunostimulating therapy. You may need to consult an oncologist.
What does the result mean?
During research, qualitative and quantitative analysis is taken into account. The first may indicate the presence or absence of a virus. The second is about the concentration of the pathogenic agent in the human body. Only an experienced specialist can decipher the information received, taking into account all the surrounding circumstances. There is no need to take a positive test result as a death sentence. Often during research, errors are made that affect the indicators and make it impossible to determine the correct data. In most cases, mistakes are made by patients while preparing for an upcoming test. Reference values must be taken into account.
False positive HPV
False-positive HPV test results are common. This happens if:
- the bio sample was contaminated;
- there was an incorrect collection of materials;
- the patient was treated before the analysis;
- the person did not comply with the standards of preparation for diagnosis.
To avoid getting distorted results, you need to take into account some rules. Within 12 hours before submitting biological material, it is prohibited to take antiviral, antibacterial and antimicrobial drugs. You should shower on the day of the smear test. Over the next 2-3 days, it is better to refuse sexual intercourse. A smear test is not required during menstruation. People often encounter false test results if they tried to treat the infection with antiviral drugs the day before. The virus itself is neutralized, but antibodies remain in the body.
Referential meaning
Reference values of an indicator (another name is reference) imply general values obtained during laboratory research on a specific category of the population. These can be young people aged 20-30 years, women during pregnancy, those who have given birth, those who have not given birth, etc. Such indicators are necessary to obtain the average total indicator of the relative norm.
This is how a quantitative HPV test is determined. The average value of 3-5 Lg, which implies a questionable result, was collected based on the assessment of a certain category of carriers of the papilloma virus. Therefore, reference values cannot be assessed as the only correct indicator. The concept of normal may differ depending on the characteristics of the body, age, and the presence of concomitant diseases.
In most cases, only the qualitative result of the study is important, which indicates the presence of the virus. In cases of detection of a non-oncogenic type of HPV, its concentration is insignificant.
If the test is positive
A positive HPV test indicates the presence of the virus in the body. There is no need to worry, according to statistics, 7 out of 10 people are carriers of the papilloma virus. Most people can go through life without knowing they have HPV. Activation of the symptoms of the disease occurs during a period of weakened immunity.
Depending on the identified type of pathogen and the general picture of the disease, the doctor selects treatment tactics. In most cases, it includes antiviral and immunostimulating therapy, methods of tumor destruction.
At 56, 16, 31, 18 and other cancer-dangerous strains
Detection of carcinogenic strains of the papilloma virus requires immediate treatment aimed at restoring the body's immune defense and eliminating formations. Highly oncogenic HPV types are especially dangerous for women, as they cause the development of cervical cancer. The patient needs to undergo additional testing for the presence of erosion or dysplasia. Histological examination of tissues will help identify malignant changes in cells.
Detection of such strains in the body will not indicate the presence of cancer. People with this diagnosis need to be attentive to their own health. Get examined regularly and get tested.
There are cases when self-healing from the virus occurs. Young people with strong immune defenses are most likely to be cured.
Timely removal of condylomas will help prevent the risk of developing dangerous consequences. All patients with identified strains need to do is follow the doctor’s recommendations, get treatment, monitor their immune system, attend routine examinations, and try not to infect others.
For benign strains
Benign strains of HPV are not dangerous to humans. All the patient will encounter is the appearance of unpleasant formations on the body. Depending on the quantitative indicator of the virus in the body, the doctor will recommend drug therapy.
More often, healthy young people with a small number of warts on the body are prescribed removal. A strong immune system is able to cope with the infection, and no auxiliary agents are required. Removal can be done using pharmaceutical drugs or going to the clinic and undergoing a hardware procedure.
If growths occur frequently or papillomatosis is diagnosed, antiviral treatment is required. It involves taking medications that suppress the activity of the infection and the ability to reproduce. Immunostimulants help the immune system suppress the virus.
It happens that the HPV test is positive, but there are no warts on the body. This indicates carriage, but lack of infectious activity. A negative analysis can also be detected in the presence of papillomas on the body. It happens when the immune system is able to independently reduce the activity of the infection. In this case, the concentration of the virus in the blood is constantly changing and may be low at the time of the study.
Regardless of what type of HPV is detected, the patient must discuss all necessary actions with a doctor. Self-treatment can lead to the development of the disease and increase the risk of undesirable consequences.
Deciphering the HPV test is an informative and important procedure, on which subsequent actions in terms of therapy depend. You should not try to decipher the meanings on your own or with the help of people who lack the necessary qualifications. Only experienced specialists can correctly explain the examination data, who will be based on the numbers and characteristics of the individual patient’s body.
A person under 30 years of age infected with the virus has a high chance of self-healing. This is due to the elimination of HPV from the body due to the influence of the immune system. In older patients, the immune system is not so strong, so if there are visible symptoms, therapy and prevention are necessary.
HPV control - viral load
Using this indicator, the number of virus particles in the body is monitored in order to prevent relapse and further complications, and it also allows the specialist to predict the further behavior of the pathogen and the consequences it can cause (genital warts, dysplasia and cervical tumors).
determined by the real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) method, as well as the Digen test. Both procedures will require a scraping or smear from the cervix.The principle of PCR is to create copies of pathogen DNA in samples that are subjected to sequential heating and cooling in a cycler.
After each cycle (heating-cooling), the HPV load is determined by one of the methods:
- Counting DNA copies;
- The number of copies in relation to the introduced DNA;
- Additional calibration genes.
How to determine the danger of a load?
The method for determining the number of pathogen DNA particles/number of cells is used not only to prescribe therapy, but also to monitor treatment.
An increased HPV viral load after therapy and destruction of growths suggests a high risk of relapse (recurrence of external symptoms).
Indicator values (pathogen/cell DNA copies):
- Insignificant - copies<10 3 /10 5 ;
- Persistent disease - copies >10 5 /10 5 .
Insignificant - almost always means elimination of the pathogen from the body, followed by complete recovery. Significant - chronic course of the disease with the risk of developing atypical cells, which may result in dysplasia.
If HPV copies are more than 10 5 per 10 5 cells, the risk of severe dysplasia increases significantly, which precedes the development of a benign or malignant neoplasm.