The association of human papillomavirus infection with balanoposthitis: a description of five cases with proposals for treatment.
The features and clinical course of chronic balanitis in 5 patients are presented. In each case, histological examination of a cutaneous biopsy sample showed pronounced features of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. In addition, HPV DNA was demonstrated in each biopsy specimen by a polymerase chain reaction and was found to be type 6 by Southern blot hybridization in 4 of the cases. Although the association of histological features of HPV infection with balanitis does not prove that HPV is causal, the failure to find other causes, the prolonged and distressing symptoms, and the ineffectiveness of topical steroids in improving symptoms, all suggest the importance of HPV infection. While effective treatment needs to be sought and developed, the response of one patient to oral isotretinoin suggests that this agent may be appropriate for a larger trial.
Department of Genitourinary Medicine and Communicable Disease, St Mary's Hospital Medical School, London, UK.
H D
HD
Birley
G A
GA
Luzzi
M M
MM
Walker
B
B
Ryait
D
D
Taylor-Robinson
A M
AM
Renton
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D001446:Balanitis / Q000821:virology*; D001706:Biopsy; D015139:Blotting, Southern; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D015474:Isotretinoin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D027383:Papillomaviridae / Q000145:classification; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000188:drug therapy; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012703:Serotyping; D013256:Steroids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014412:Tumor Virus Infections / Q000188:drug therapy
D004279:DNA, Viral; D013256:Steroids; D015474:Isotretinoin