DETECTION OF HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS TYPE-16, TYPE-18 DNA RELATED SEQUENCES IN BRONCHOGENIC-CARCINOMA BY POLYMERASE CHAIN-REACTION

In studying the relationship between human papillomavirus (HPV) and br onchogenic carcinoma, ''high-risk'' HPV 16, 18 DNA sequences were dete cted in samples from 50 lung cancer patients, 18 patients with benign pulmonary diseases and 4 fetal lung tissues by polymerase chain reacti on (PCR) and dot-blot hybridization with biotin-labelled probes. The r esults showed that HPV 16, 18 DNA related sequences were found in 32% of lung cancer specimens, with 10 cases of HPV 16, 5 cases of HPV 18 a nd 1 case of both types. 48.15% (13 / 27) of squamous cell carcinomas were shown to be positive for HPV 16, 18 DNA. In addition, two adenoca rcinomas and one small cell carcinoma were positive for HPV 16 DNA. No specimens from benign diseases tissues and fetal lung tissues showed positive results. These results suggest that primary bronchogenic carc inoma is related to HPV infection.