HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS INFECTION AND TRANSITIONAL-CELL CARCINOMA OF THEBLADDER - IMMUNOHISTOCHEMISTRY AND IN-SITU HYBRIDIZATION

The aim of the present research was to investigate human papillomaviru s (HPV) infection by means of immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridi zation in 76 bladder cancer specimens. A biotinylated DNA probe that r ecognizes HPV 6/11, HPV 16/18 and HPV 31/33/35 was used for in situ hy bridization. A polyclonal antibody recognizing HPV capsid antigen (HPV cAg) was used for immunohistochemistry. In situ hybridization and immu nohistochemistry were developed by alkaline phosphatase and immunogold -silver techniques respectively. Our results showed that 25 (32.8%) ou t of 76 bladder carcinoma-specimens reacted with HPVcAg. Twelve (15.7% ) out of 76 cases were positive for HPV 16/18-DNA using non-isotopic i n situ hybridization. Sixteen cases had koilocytosis. No positive sign als were found for HPV 6/11 or 32/33/35-DNA probes.