DNA IN-SITU HYBRIDIZATION IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS INFECTION

Background: Certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) are shown to b e associated with the development of genital lesions. DNA hybridizatio n methods are used for the diagnosis of HPV infections. Objective: To use a nonradioactive DNA in situ hybridization system for the investig ation of HPV infections responsible for the development of genital les ions in women. Study design: Sections from archival paraffin embedded biopsy specimens of 59 cases were screened for the presence of HPV DNA sequences by using digoxigenin labeled DNA probe which is specific fo r all types of HPVs and digoxigenin detection system. The study group consisted of samples diagnosed as squamous hyperplasia of the vulva (g roup 1), koilocytosis (group 2), condyloma acuminatum/koilocytotic aty py (group 3), cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), and epidermoid carcinoma (group 4). Results: No HPV DNA was detected in groups 1 and 2 which consisted of 3 and 13 specimens respectively. Seven of 11 (63 .6%) specimens in group 3 and 7 of 32 (21.9%) in group 4 were found to be positive for in situ HPV DNA. Seven positive samples in group 3 an d one positive sample in group 4 were typed as HPV 6/11. Five samples of the remaining positives in group 4 were typed as HPV 16/18. One cas e was found to be positive with both 16/18 and 31/33. Conclusion: Nonr adioactive DNA in situ hybridization is an easy and efficient method t o be performed for the diagnosis of HPV infections. Koilocytosis with atypy is directly correlated with HPV infection and it is suggested to monitor the CIN cases with HPV type 16/18 infection since the patholo gy can be progressive.