Conjunctival papilloma and human papillomavirus: identification of HPV types by PCR

Abstract

Purpose: To report the identification of human papillomavirus types in four cases of conjunctival papillomas and to review the literature regarding human conjunctival papillomavirus (HPV).

Methods: Specimens from conjunctival papillomas of four patients were analyzed for the presence of HPV by polymerase chain reaction and subsequent filter hybridization. HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, and 33 were investigated. Histologic sections were analyzed for the presence of koilocytosis.

Results: Histologic examination confirmed HPV infection in all cases. HPV type 11 was detected in all specimens.

Conclusions: HPV is frequently implicated in the pathogenesis of proliferative squamous lesions. HPV type 11 was the most frequently found in benign conjunctival lesion in this study.