DETECTION OF HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS TYPE-16 DNA-SEQUENCES IN PARAFFIN-EMBEDDED TISSUES FROM THE FEMALE URINARY-TRACT

We investigated the presence of human papillomavirus-related DNA seque nces (HPV 6, 11, 16 and 18) in 33 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded bio psies from the urinary tract of female patients with recurrent and per sistent urethritis and cystitis, using the polymerase chain reaction ( PCR). The samples for PCR reaction were selected among tissues examine d for histological diagnosis on the basis of the presence of microscop ic changes consistent with HPV infection. Sequences homologous to HPV 6, 11 and 18 genome were not found, while HPV 16-related DNA sequences were identified in 25/33 lesions with histopathological diagnosis of metaplasia (1 from the urethra, 23 from the trigone and 1 from the bla dder). The results suggest that the spread of HPV in the female urinar y tract may not be uncommon and point to the need for further research on the possible pathogenic role in recurrent female disturbances.