Human papillomavirus identification and typing of both sexual partners.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the efficacy of diagnostic methods for human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.


METHODS
The diagnostic methods were morphologic and immunohistochemical techniques and in situ hybridization. The first ones consisted of (1) a cytologic smear on the females, (2) cytologic examination of a urethral brushing on the males, (3) colposcopy on the females, and (4) histologic examination of the uterine cervix.


RESULTS
A synchronous HPV infection was found in 50% of the sexual partners. HPV was detected also in 30% of cervical biopsies by immunohistochemistry. In situ hybridization was performed on both the cervical biopsies and urethral samples from the males. By this method the same subtype of the virus was observed in both sexes. The types of HPV were identified in 45% of 20 females and 80% of 20 males. Analytically, in men, 7 cases of HPV 6/11 types, 3 cases of 16/18, 5 cases of 31/33/35 and 1 case each of 16/18 and 31/33/35 were observed. In women, in 4 cases subtypes 6/11, in 2 cases types 16/18 and in 3 cases types 31/33/35 were identified.


CONCLUSIONS
Male partners of women with HPV infection should be investigated in order to produce greater insight into HPV prevalence and the mechanisms of viral transmission.
Gomousa-Michael
M
M
Department of Cytology, Tzanio General Hospital, Piraeus, Greece.
Deligeorgi-Politi
H
H
Condi-Paphiti
A
A
Rammou-Kinia
R
R
Ghionis
J
J
Belca-Hari
K
K
D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D027383:Papillomaviridae / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D015229:Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D014412:Tumor Virus Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D014522:Urethral Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology; D002577:Uterine Cervical Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology; D014626:Vaginal Smears
D004279:DNA, Viral