HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS (HPV) TYPE-2 AND TYPE-57 IN ORAL VERRUCAE DEMONSTRATED BY IN-SITU HYBRIDIZATION

Twenty-one cases of verrucae vulgaris (oral warts) were investigated f or human papillomavirus (HPV)-group specific antigen by immunocytochem istry and for HPV types 1, 2, 4, 6, 11, 16, 18 and 57 by DNA in situ h ybridization with biotinylated probes. Twelve (57%) cases demonstrated the presence of HPV-group specific antigen. Fifteen (71%) cases showe d the presence of HPV DNA, 13 of which (87%) demonstrated both HPV typ es 2 and 57 in the same cells and 2 of which (13%) demonstrated only H PV 2. Six cases were negative for HPV 2 and 57 and all 21 cases (100%) were negative for HPV types 1, 4, 6, 11, 16 and is. Results indicate the association of a new and as yet unidentified HPV type, closely rel ated to HPV 2 and 57, with oral warts. The identification of both cuta neous type HPV 2 and another type closely related to HPV 2 and 57 in o ral verrucae on keratinized and non-keratinized mucosal surfaces indic ates the possibility of a latent infection; three patients had a histo ry of warts on their hands, suggesting autoinoculation. This study ind icated that future investigations of oral warts, based on a correlatio n of clinical and histological features with HPV types by DNA in situ hybridization, are called for.