Human papillomavirus type 5 is commonly present in immunosuppressed and immunocompetent individuals

DNA of a wide spectrum of epidermodysplasia verruciformis-associated human papillomavirus (HPV) types (EV-HPV) has been detected in skin lesions and p lucked hairs from both immunosuppressed and a considerable proportion of no n-immunosuppressed persons. Recently, the skin of psoriatic patients was cl aimed to be an important reservoir for a particular EV-HPV type, HPV 5, whi ch is considered as a high-risk HPV type for skin carcinomas. In the presen t study, we analysed plucked hairs from immunosuppressed renal transplant p atients and immunocompetent: individuals, utilizing an HPV 5-specific neste d polymerase chain reaction. HPV 5 was detected in hairs derived from 14 of 31 (45%) immunosuppressed patients and 21 of 135 (16%) immunocompetent ind ividuals. Both the immunosuppressed and the immunocompetent groups consiste d of individuals with and without non-melanoma skin cancer. HPV 5 DNA was d etected in similar proportions of hair samples plucked from individuals wit h and without skin cancer in either group, Our results indicate that HPV 5 is commonly present in the population. The role of HPV 5 in the pathogenesi s of skin carcinomas and psoriasis remains to be established.