HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS TYPE-6-INDUCED CONDYLOMATA - AN UNUSUAL COMPLICATION OF INTERTRIGO

A 79-year-old virgo intacta presented with a 20-year-history of intert rigo, and a 3-month history of superimposed warty masses beneath both breasts and in the groin and perianal areas. There was no evidence of immunosuppression. Histology of the warty lesions showed squamous papi llomata. with evidence of wart virus infection. Human papillomavirus ( HPV) type 6 was identified by in situ DNA hybridization, in the submam mary lesions. This is an unusual manifestation of both intertrigo and wart virus infection. HPV-6 is classically found in anogenital warts. We assume that these warts were acquired by a non-venereal route and/o r by congenital infection some 78 years ago. We suggest that it is the warm, moist environment, rather than the specific site, which encoura ges HPV-6 to flourish.