Prospective serial study of viral change in the cervix and correlation with human papillomavirus genome status.
OBJECTIVE
To observe in serial fashion the histological changes of human papilloma virus (HPV) infection of the cervix and to correlate these with the detection of HPV genomes.


METHODS
A prospective longitudinal study to perform colposcopy and at 0, 9 and 18 months to obtain a smear, a biopsy for histology and HPV-16 genome detection by DNA/DNA hybridization.


METHODS
Glasgow Family Planning Centre.


METHODS
Eighty-two women recruited on the basis of a routine smear showing viral change without dyskaryosis.


METHODS
Women found to have CIN 3 were treated with laser.


METHODS
Cytology and cervical biopsy results and HPV-16 DNA detection by Southern blotting obtained serially from individual subjects.


RESULTS
Of 82 women recruited, 10% were positive for HPV-16 detection by Southern blotting. Detection of HPV-16 genomes did not correlate with either CIN or viral infection assessed histologically and serial hybridizations in a given individual showed fluctuation in HPV-16 detection. Polymerase chain reaction in a subset of samples revealed 46% positive for HPV DNA.


CONCLUSIONS
No clear correlation exists between HPV genome detection and the histological appearance. HPV-16 genome detection alone may not be a useful predictor of precancerous progression.
Kitchener
H C
HC
Department of Midwifery, University of Glasgow.
Neilson
L
L
Burnett
R A
RA
Young
L
L
Macnab
J C
JC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015139:Blotting, Southern; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology*; D003127:Colposcopy; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000302:isolation & purification; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008875:Middle Aged; D009693:Nucleic Acid Hybridization; D027383:Papillomaviridae / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014412:Tumor Virus Infections / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology*; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology*
D004279:DNA, Viral