PROSPECTIVE-STUDY ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF ANTIBODIES AGAINST HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS TYPE-6 AMONG PATIENTS WITH CONDYLOMA ACUMINATA OR NEW ASYMPTOMATIC INFECTION

The development over time of antibodies to human papillomavirus type 6 (HPV 6) was studied prospectively in a group of 26 condyloma patients receiving multiple treatments, as well as in 17 healthy subjects with a new HPV 6 infection. The condyloma patients provided serum samples during 2-12 visits over a period of 1-20 months, and the levels of IgA , IgG and IgM antibodies to HPV 6, 11 and 16 capsids, and to HPV 6-der ived peptide antigens were determined. Among the capsid antibodies, th e IgG and IgA responses against HPV 6 were the most prominent, whereas IgM was detected only in a few patients. During follow-up, seroconver sion to HPV capsids was found in six patients and antibody peaks disap peared during follow-up in nine patients, There was no association bet ween serology and cure of the wart. One hundred twenty subjects who re ported multiple sexual partners, but found negative for HPV DNA at mul tiple anogenital and oral sites, provided serum samples and swabs for HPV DNA analysis at 2-7 visits during 4-74 months. Seventeen subjects acquired HPV 6 DNA and were included in the study. Serum IgA, IgG and IgM antibodies to HPV 6 capsids were induced concomitantly with the ac quisition of viral DNA (P = 0.02, 0.002 and 0.006, respectively), and declined again when the viral DNA was no longer detectable. In conclus ion, antibodies to HPV 6 did not predict the clinical course of condyl omatous disease, but appear to be useful mainly as epidemiological mar kers of viral exposure. (C) 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.