A FAST AND SIMPLE IN-SITU PCR METHOD TO DETECT HUMAN PAPILLOMA-VIRUS INFECTION IN ARCHIVAL PARAFFIN-EMBEDDED TISSUES

We describe a simple and fast method for the detection and localizatio n of low copy numbers of HPV DNA in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedd ed archival tissues. We have developed a protocol for direct bl situ-P CR in order to demonstrate its convenience in rapid and reproducible a ssessment of HPV infection in unknown biopsies. The morphological aspe ct of the tissues has been maintained, despite the multiple steps of f ixation, permeabilization and thermal cycling, and positivity has been detected only in virus target cells.