DEMONSTRATION OF EPSTEIN-BARR-VIRUS DNA IN ACETOWHITE LESIONS OF THE VULVA

Acetowhite lesions in the vulva disclosing koilocytosis have been rela ted to infection by human papilloma virus (HPV). Because of the clinic al resemblance of these lesions to oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL), and E BV-manifestation, 23 women with acetowhite koilocytotic lesions in the vulva were examined. The PCR-technique was used to detect EBV DNA as well as HPV DNA in 17% of 23 patients examined. In a control group of 19 patients EBV DNA was detected in 11% and HPV DNA in 42% of cell sam ples from normal vulvar mucosa. EBV DNA has not previously been demons trated in the vulvar mucosa, and this virus might be related to subcli nical acetowhite lesions.