Human papillomavirus in conjunctival papilloma

Aim-To examine conjunctival papillomas for the presence of human papillomav irus (HPV) and koilocytosis. Methods-Archival paraffin embedded tissue from 55 conjunctival papillomas w as analysed for the presence of HPV by polymerase chain reaction and subseq uent filter hybridisation. Histological sections of the 55 papillomas were evaluated for the presence of koilocytosis. Results-HPV was present in 48 of 52 (92%) beta globin positive papillomas. HPV type 6/11 were found in 40 of 47 investigated papillomas and a double i nfection with HPV 6/11 and 16 was identified in a single papilloma. In six papillomas the HPV type could not be identified. Koilocytosis was present i n 22 of 55 papillomas (40%). Conclusion-There is a strong association between HPV and conjunctival papil lomas. HPV type 6/11 is the most common HPV type in conjunctival papilloma. The sensitivity of koilocytosis as an indicator of HPV in conjunctival pap illoma is low.