Modern methods of treatment of latent form of HPV infection: clinical observation

Papillomavirus infection is one of the most common urogenital tract infections with pronounced oncogenic potential. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with the development of cancer of uterine cervix, vagina, vulva, penis and oropharyngeal neoplasms. Despite the fact that anogenital warts are the main clinical manifestation of the infection, a significant number of cases is latent, that complicates diagnosis and early treatment. The article presents a clinical observation of a 25-year-old patient with latent form of papillomavirus infection. PCR testing revealed HPV of 6, 11, 39, 59 and 56 genotypes, including high-risk oncogenic types with no visible clinical manifestations. The patient was treated with recombinant interferon alpha-2b in combination with antioxidants. The control examination 4 weeks after the end of treatment showed complete elimination of the pathogen, that indicates the selected therapy’s efficacy. The mechanism of action of interferon alpha-2b is realized through activation of cellular and humoral immunity, suppression of viral replication and enhancement of phagocyte activity of macrophages. The inclusion of antioxidants (vitamins C and E) potentiates antiviral activity by stabilizing cellular membranes. The presented observation confirms that immunomodulatory therapy using recombinant interferons in combination with antioxidants is an effective method for treatment of latent HPV infection, providing elimination of the causative agent and reducing the risk of developing HPV-associated cancers.