"Face-to-face interview with microbes" - Human papillomavirus

Author: Wang Wanying, Xi'an Medical College, Zhou Yi, Xi'an Medical College

Reviewer: Xiao Xinli, Associate Professor of Xi'an Jiaotong University

"She is a common killer of women, coming and going without a trace; she is a lawless madman who makes people shudder at the mention of her, and many people have tried to catch her but failed... Some people also say that she is not that scary, and we only need to take precautions to keep her out. She is the human papillomavirus, and she has an international name - HPV. In today's 'Microbe Face to Face' interview column, we are fortunate to have invited Miss HPV to answer our questions."

"Hello, Miss HPV," said the host.

"Hello, host. It's an honor to participate in this program." Miss HPV was seen walking towards the audience in a pink long dress and a wreath on her head. She nodded to the audience and applause broke out from the audience.

"In order to let everyone have a clearer understanding of the HPV family and establish a friendly and peaceful relationship with human cells, we are honored to invite Miss HPV to be the special guest of this program. Please introduce yourself to the audience friends first."

Ms. HPV took the microphone and said, "I am very happy to see you all. I hope that this program will allow you to get to know us again. Our human papillomavirus is a very large family with more than 200 members. Our appearance is spherical, with icosahedral symmetry. When mature, our diameter is 52-55 nm, which is a relatively small virus. It mainly targets the squamous epithelial cells of human skin and mucous membranes, often causing diseases such as common warts and genital warts. In severe cases, it can lead to cervical cancer. Sexual transmission is a common route of transmission. In addition, vertical transmission (also known as mother-to-child transmission), medical transmission, and indirect contact with the infected person's clothing or daily necessities can also lead to infection."

Figure 1 Copyright image, no permission to reprint

"Okay, let's look at the question from the cervical epithelial cells. Will HPV infection definitely lead to cervical cancer ?"

"Many women think they will get cervical cancer after they find out they are infected with HPV, but that is not true." Miss HPV shrugged and made a face. "For women who have normal sexual behavior, the probability of being infected with HPV in their lifetime is 80%, but not every HPV-infected woman will eventually develop cervical cancer. This is because the human body's very powerful immune system can eliminate HPV. Only 1% to 4% of HPV-infected people will gradually develop cervical precancerous lesions or cancer . Therefore, cervical HPV infection is like a 'cold' of the cervix, so don't be afraid of the word 'poison'."

"It seems that the puzzle that has troubled cervical epithelial cells for a long time has finally been solved." Epidermal cells in the audience raised their hands, and the host immediately noticed him: "I see that epidermal cells are eager to try, so let's give the microphone to him."

"Although being infected with HPV is not that scary, sometimes wart-like growths will appear on the skin surface after the infection, which is very unsightly and troubles us. So how can we avoid HPV infection ?" The epidermal cells scratched their heads embarrassedly.

Miss HPV nodded and said, "You don't have to worry too much. We won't invade the human body for no reason. But you need to take the following three preventive measures: ① Get the HPV vaccine . Currently, the most common vaccines are 2-valent, 4-valent and 9-valent vaccines. These three vaccines have been proven to have a good preventive effect on HPV16 and HPV18 infections. ② Regularly screen for cervical cancer . HPV testing, liquid-based thin-layer cytology (TCT) and colposcopy are often used in clinical practice for early screening of cervical cancer. It is an efficient and feasible inspection plan. ③ Avoid unhealthy sexual behavior ."

Figure 2 Types of HPV vaccines and recipients

Copyright images are not authorized for reproduction

"Indeed, regular screening, personal hygiene and timely vaccination are the three lines of defense against HPV infection. As an old friend of the HPV family, Mr. T Cell is unable to be present in person due to his busy official duties. Let's take a look at the video he recorded for his old friends." The host looked at the big screen.

Mr. Immune T Cell waved to her on the screen and said, "Hello, Ms. HPV. We immune cells have been fighting with your family for many years. Today, we are very happy to meet in this special way. In fact, we know that you are not that scary. As long as we maintain a good attitude and living habits and have regular check-ups, humans can coexist peacefully with HPV. We also hope that everyone can correctly understand the HPV family through this short interview."

"I'm very happy to see Mr. T Cell. Today, I am representing my family to popularize relevant knowledge to everyone. We sincerely hope that we can become friends with humans. We hope that the broadcast of this program can successfully help everyone get to know us again." Miss HPV stood up and bowed to the audience.

"Time flies, and this interview has come to an end. Thank you Miss HPV for your selfless sharing, and thank you all for watching. We will see you next week at the same time." The interview came to an end.

postscript

The broadcast of the "Microbiology Face to Face" program has attracted strong social response. With the development of the medical and health industry and the improvement of people's health awareness, HPV is no longer a "female killer" that people are afraid of, nor is it an arrogant and domineering "outlaw". With everyone's unremitting efforts, people can live in peace with them and no longer avoid them.