Papillomaviridae are viruses that cause skin lesions in humans and animals. Depending on the host organism, the viruses are very specifically expressed in this regard. Human papillomaviruses (HP viruses or HPV), which affect only humans, account for the largest percentage of this group of viruses. The viruses are transmitted through skin contact and are widespread.
What are papillomaviridae?
The Papillomaviridae (Latin papilla = wart) form a separate virus family with the genus of wart viruses. Papillomaviruses cause tumors of the skin and mucosa in humans and animals, which are usually benign. To date, approximately 150 different virus types are known, which are divided into three classes according to the affected body region (genital area, oral mucosa or skin). Depending on the type and individual genetic factors as well as environmental influences, there is a risk of degeneration and the development of cancer. Infection occurs through skin contact, as papillomaviruses penetrate and multiply in the skin and mucosa through minute lesions.
Occurrence, distribution, and characteristics
The genetic material of the viruses is found in a double-stranded circular DNA. Papillomaviruses do not have a viral envelope, which means they leave infected cells by destroying the host cell. Papillomaviridae are widespread due to their easy transmissibility and form, for example, skin warts on hands or feet or infect skin and mucous membrane cells in the genital area. The genital types make up the largest proportion and can cause various diseases such as genital warts. Often these warts are not visible or they form into firm nodules. They usually occur in clusters and often have a whitish, sometimes reddish appearance and can cause discomfort such as itching or burning. Genital viruses are classified into low-risk and high-risk types, depending on the assumed likelihood of cancer. Low-risk viruses have almost never been detected in cancers and cause harmless genital warts, viral warts of the mucosa, oral mucosa, or juvenile flat warts. As potentially life-threatening pathogens, the “high-risk” viruses have been shown to be involved in the development of cervical cancer. They have also been detected in other cancers of the reproductive organs and the mouth and throat. Infection occurs through skin contact, and in the case of genital virus types, through unprotected sexual intercourse. Infection with HP viruses is considered one of the most common contagious sexually transmitted diseases. Infection is also favored by the fact that the infestation of a body part with HP viruses is often not visible and the viruses can remain inactive for years. In addition, an infection usually goes unnoticed and in most cases disappears by itself without the affected person experiencing any symptoms. Scientific studies assume that most sexually active women and men become infected with HPV at least once in the course of their lives. Acute infections can be easily detected by HPV testing of a mucosal swab or tissue sample. Since papillomaviruses can mutate into precancerous lesions, this test has been performed for many years by gynecologists as a standard part of the early detection of cervical cancer. In Germany, a vaccine against certain types of the human papilloma virus has been available since 2007. Since then, the Standing Commission on Vaccination (STIKO) has recommended vaccination of girls between the ages of 12 and 17. Depending on the age, two to three doses of vaccination are necessary and the statutory health insurance funds usually cover the costs of the measure. In the meantime, more advanced vaccines are also being tested, which cause the destruction of already HPV-infected cells and tumor cells. Since not all skin contacts are avoided during protected sex, condoms do not provide sufficient protection against this STD. Thus, in addition to completely abstaining from sexual contact, vaccination is considered the safest protection against the contagious viruses.
Diseases and symptoms
Depending on the type, infections triggered by the papillomavirus usually heal on their own. Conceivable therapies for wart treatment range from local treatment with creams or solutions to surgical removal of bothersome or pronounced warts and cell changes.In the worst case, however, a persistent infestation with HP viruses can develop into cancer without treatment, as the cell changes only occur due to the permanent settlement of the viruses. The best-known type of tumor is cervical cancer. As therapy, oncologists then weigh up between procedures of surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy, whereby one of the procedures is sufficient for many affected persons. Sometimes a combination of radiation and chemotherapy is necessary. Accompanying medications to prevent infections support the therapy. Furthermore, tumors can develop in the intimate area and in the mouth and throat region, as well as so-called head and neck tumors. Smoking, an existing herpes infection, the long-term use of contraceptive medications or a weakened immune system are considered cancer-promoting factors. A less dramatic effect, but one that should be taken seriously, is mutual infection in committed partnerships. In the so-called ping-pong effect, it cannot be clarified who infected whom first. Basically, both partners seem to infect each other again and again. Doctors therefore always assume that both partners are infected and adjust treatment accordingly. It is therefore generally recommended to consult a dermatologist or family doctor together if necessary in the event of abnormalities on the skin or in the intimate area, especially if additional complaints are present.
