Detection of human papillomavirus DNA in anogenital condylomata in men using in situ DNA hybridisation applied to paraffin sections.

An in situ DNA hybridisation method was used to detect human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA (HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18), and an immunoperoxidase (IP-PAP) method to detect HPV structural protein expression in paraffin sections of biopsy specimens from 133 men treated for penile (in 114 cases) and anal (in 19 cases) warts. The anatomical distribution on the penis of classic condyloma acuminatum and of papular and flat condylomata was practically identical. The gross appearance of the warts did not correlate with their morphology on light microscopy. The detection rate of dysplasia was very different in the three types of lesions (25% in flat, 50% in acuminatum, and 75% in papular warts). Of 133 lesions, 59 (44.4%) contained HPV antigens, their expression being inversely related to the grade of dysplasia; only 17% of HPV 16 lesions had detectable HPV antigen compared with 50% to 67% in lesions of the other three HPV types. HPV 16 and HPV 18 DNA were most commonly (11%) detectable in Bowenoid lesions; however, most of the HPV 16 and 18 positive cases were found among the flat and acuminatum type of lesions. Though the overall detection rate of HPV DNA (76%) did not correlate with the grade of dysplasia, a clear cut association of HPV 16 and HPV 18 with dysplastic lesions was found, none of the HPV 16 and 25% of the HPV 18 positive cases being devoid of concomitant dysplasia. The corresponding figures for HPV 6 and HPV 11 were 59.2% and 68.8%, respectively. The implications of these findings are discussed in terms of epidemiologically established connections between penile and cervical cancer, with special emphasis of the high risk HPV types 16 and 18. The applicability of in situ DNA hybridisation as a powerful tool in the analysis of specific HPV DNA sequences in routinely processed biopsy specimens from these lesions is emphasised.     

Human papillomavirus DNA detection in primary anogenital warts and cervical low-grade intraepithelial neoplasias in adults by in situ hybridization.

In this study, 58 consecutive patients with primary anogenital warts were selected from patients attending a genitourinary clinic. Patients were grouped on the basis of clinical lesion site, i.e. patients with genital warts only, patients with perianal or anal canal warts only, and patients with concurrent perianal and genital warts. Of these patients, 38% of the men (12/31) and 33.3% of the women (9/27) had other anogenital infections, such as nonspecific urethritis (NSU) or nonspecific genital infection, which were the most common. Of the patients who had perianal warts, 37% of the men (7/19) and 25% of the women (4/16) also had warts in the anal canal. Of the women who had anogenital warts, 63% (17/27) had concurrent subclinical low-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) lesions. Human papilloma virus (HPV) DNA (either 6 or 11, 16 or 18, or 31 or 33 or 35) was detected in 53.3% (40/75) of the anogenital wart biopsy samples, and in 35.2% (6/17) of the low-grade CIN lesions. HPV types 6 or 11 were the most common types in anogenital warts (45.3%); and in CIN lesions HPV types 6 or 11 and 16 or 18 were found with equal frequency (17.6% each). There were no significant differences in HPV types between patients with genital warts and patients with perianal and anal canal warts. Anogenital infection with HPV is multicentric; external anogenital warts and subclinical CIN lesions often exist concurrently. The low prevalence of HPV DNA detected in anogenital warts and CIN biopsy samples may be due to insensitivity of the in situ hybridization technique used in this study.     

Detection of high-risk human papillomavirus type 16/18 in cutaneous warts in immunocompetent patients, using polymerase chain reaction

Cutaneous warts are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Prevalence studies of the types of HPV present in cutaneous warts have been carried out more frequently in immunosuppressed patients. The present study was designed to study the association of high-risk HPV in cutaneous warts of immunocompetent patients. A total of 45 cases of cutaneous warts from various sites in immunocompetent subjects were analyzed for HPV. Samples included both archival material i.e., paraffin embedded and fresh tissue. Highly sensitive and comprehensive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methodology for detection of HPV of high oncogenic potential, HPV 16/18, was employed. Human papillomavirus 16 was detected in 3 (6.6%) patients. None of the lesions demonstrated HPV 18. None of the cutaneous warts demonstrated histopathological features associated with dysplasia or neoplasia. The identification of HPV 16 in cutaneous warts, which are benign proliferations of the skin, further expands the spectrum of HPV-linked lesions. It remains of critical interest to determine whether these types are specifically associated with the development of malignant lesions analogous to those seen in anogenital cancer.     

Subclinical human papilloma virus infection in condylomata acuminata patients attending a VD clinic.

In 37 (77%) of 48 patients with external genital warts, application of 5% acetic acid revealed areas of acetowhite epithelium. The lesions were not clinically apparent before acetic acid was applied but were easily detected without the use of a colposcope. In a control group of 20 patients with chlamydial urethritis and no history of genital warts, none had acetowhite genital lesions. Histological examination of biopsy specimens from the flat acetowhite lesions showed HPV infection with koilocytosis in 29 (78%) and in 3 (8%) intra-epithelial neoplasia grade II-III. Using in situ hybridization with commercially available biotinylated DNA probes, HPV types 16/18 could be detected in 7 (24%) patients with koilocytosis and in 3 (100%) patients with dysplasia. Simultaneous infection with HPV types 6/11, 16/18, and 31/33/35 was found in 8 of the 13 HPV DNA-positive patients. It is concluded that subclinical HPV-induced acetowhite lesions are common among patients with genital warts and that these flat lesions may be associated with a high grade of dysplasia. Consequently, routine use of the acetic acid test on the genital epithelium is recommended in patients with condylomata acuminata in order to diagnose and treat all HPV-infected areas.     

Characterization and analysis of human papillomaviruses of skin warts

We analysed human papillomavirus (HPV) infections in 61 tissue specimens of skin warts of Taiwanese patients by DNA hybridization. The prevalence of HPV infection was 69% by Southern blot hybridization. The typing of HPVs was performed by dot blot hybridization under highly stringent conditions with each probe separately. The prevalence of HPV-1, 2/3, 4, 5, 8, 11, 16 and 18 in skin warts was 13, 7, 16, 2, 0, 5, 2 and 8%, respectively. Chi-squared analysis revealed that there was a correlation between HPV type and copy number. Most HPV-4-induced warts were verruca vulgaris. HPV-1 DNA was detected in verruca plantaris and verruca vulgaris. No specific histopathological features were found to be indicative of the presence or absence of HPV, or of the various types of HPV infection.     

The prevalence of "high-risk" HPV types in penile condyloma-like lesions: correlation between HPV type and morphology.

OBJECTIVE--To evaluate the prevalence of "high-risk" human papilloma virus (HPV) types in penile condyloma-like lesions and to correlate HPV types with clinical and histological features. DESIGN--The study included 94 male patients with signs of penile HPV infection. From acuminate, papular and macular lesions, specimens were collected for HPV DNA hybridisation, using the dot blot and Southern blot techniques. Biopsy specimens from 51 cases were examined by light microscopy for signs of koilocytosis and dysplasia. SETTING--The STD outpatient clinic of the Department of Dermatovenereology of Sahlgrenska Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden. RESULTS--In 79 (90%) of 88 patients HPV DNA was detected by dot blot. Of 51 cases examined by histology 88% disclosed an evident koilocytosis. "High-risk" HPV types (16, 18, 31, 33, 35) were demonstrated in 8% of acuminate, 24% of papular and 56% of macular lesions. In 29% of 51 lesions examined histologically moderate to severe dysplasia was observed. There was a significant correlation between "high-risk" HPV types and dysplasia. CONCLUSION--"High-risk" HPV types are prevalent in papular and especially macular penile condyloma-like lesions. The histological finding of koilocytosis concomitant with dysplasia strongly indicates infection with a "high-risk" HPV type. Although the risk of penile cancer is low, it is from an epidemiological point of view important to diagnose these lesions. Until simple tests for HPV typing are available, biopsy for light microscopy (histology) should be obtained liberally from papular and macular condyloma-like lesions. In atypical cases of balanoposthitis HPV aetiology should also be considered.     

Humoral and cellular immune response in HPV vaccination

Human papillomaviruses (HPV) infect skin or mucosal epithelia causing warts and dysplasia. Infections with certain high-risk HPV types in the anogenital tract can lead to malignant transformation. Cervical cancer is the second most common malignant disease in young women responsible for 275000 deaths annually worldwide. More than 50% of sexually active people acquire HPV infections over their lifetime. Around 80% of infections remain subclinical and are cleared by the immune system. Recently prophylactic vaccines against the two most common high-risk types HPV16 and 18, and additionally low-risk types HPV6 and 11, respectively, have become available. We present an overview concerning recent knowledge on natural and vaccine-induced immunity against HPV infections.     

Anal condylomas in men. 1. Histopathological and virological assessment.

A series of 128 biopsy specimens from anal condylomas in 73 homosexual or bisexual and 38 heterosexual men (mean (SD) age 31.8 (9.6) years) were subjected to histological assessment and human papillomavirus (HPV) typing by in situ DNA hybridisation with 35S-labelled HPV 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, and 33 probes. Most patients were also tested serologically for antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). As evaluated on light microscopy, most (74%, 95/128) of the lesions were exophytic (papillary) acuminate warts, 15% (19) were flat, and 11% (14) were pigmented papulous lesions. No signs of anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) were seen in 70% (90) of the 128 biopsy specimens (NAIN), 27% (35) were classified as showing AIN I, and another 2% (three) as AIN II. AIN was significantly (p less than 0.05) more often associated with papulous lesions, only 43% (6/14) of which showed NAIN compared with 72% (68/98) of acuminate condylomas. The duration of disease was directly related to the presence and severity of AIN in the lesions; thus in 47 lesions that had been present for more than 12 months, NAIN was found in 31 (66%), AIN I in 14 (30%), and AIN II in two (4%). HPV DNA of at least one of the six types tested for was detected in 109/125 (87%) lesions. HPV 6 and HPV 11 were the two most common types, comprising 57% (62) and 37% (40), respectively, of the 109 HPV DNA positive cases. Only seven (6%) biopsy specimens were associated with any of HPV types 16, 18, 31, or 33, which carry a high risk of potential malignant transformation. No association was found between sexual preferences of patients and the incidence of any of the various HPV types. Neither did the distribution of the various HPV types differ between men with antibody to HIV and those without antibody. All the men with antibody to HIV were homosexual or bisexual. On microscopy, 93% (38) of 41 lesions containing HPV 11 and 75% (48/64) of HPV 6 lesions were of the acuminate wart type; in comparison, the remaining 16 HPV 6 lesions were equally either flat or papulous (eight, 13% each). Of the 64 HPV 6 and 41 HPV 11 associated lesions, 73% (47) and 63% (26), respectively, were classified as NAIN. Only two lesions were associated with HPV 16, and both showed mild dysplasia. On the other hand, two HPV 6 induced lesions were associated with AIN II. No differences were found between HPV 6 and HPV 11 in duration of disease; (39%, and 27% respectively, had been present for more than 12 months). The results showed that overt anal wart disease was associated with HPV types 6 and 11 in most cases. Although HPV types considered as being of higher oncogenic potential were detected relatively rarely, the associated AIN in a relatively high proportion (31% 32/105) of HPV 6 or 11 induced lesions indicated that a malignant potential, even for HPV 11 associated anal warts, cannot be excluded.     

A morphologic, pathologic, and virologic study of anogenital warts in men.

BACKGROUND AND DESIGN--Infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) in the anogenital region is associated with benign papillomas (condyloma acuminatum), subtle verrucous changes, subclinical infection, and malignant lesions. Although both men and women are affected, much of the investigation has been directed toward women in the study of cervical and vulvar carcinoma. The current investigation focuses on HPV infection in men. This study was undertaken to correlate the clinical spectrum of disease in our population of male patients with histopathologic features, immunoperoxidase staining for viral capsid antigen, and viral typing. Genital lesions from 26 patients were examined and tested prospectively over a 1-year period. RESULTS--The 26 lesions examined demonstrated variable morphologic features with regard to location, size, surface characteristics, and color. Histopathologic features were consistent with the diagnosis of venereal warts, but not necessarily diagnostic. Three of five standard histopathologic criteria were present in only 71% of the specimens. Despite the morphologic variability and the indeterminant histopathologic findings, 20 of 23 lesions positive for the genital tract HPV types tested contained HPV types 6 and/or 11. CONCLUSIONS--We conclude that the morphologic appearance of anogenital warts does not necessarily correlate with HPV type. Histopathologic study is helpful in excluding other diagnoses but may be indeterminant in the diagnosis of venereal warts. All men with anogenital warts should be counseled, treated, and undergo follow-up regardless of HPV type.     

Human papillomavirus-associated induction of human β-defensins in anal intraepithelial neoplasia

Background  Antimicrobial peptides and proteins (AMPs) are widely distributed effector molecules of the innate immune system with well-known antibacterial activity. However, there is a paucity of information regarding antiviral effects of AMPs.
Objectives  The present study was performed to analyse expression of AMPs in human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated anal skin lesions of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive men who have sex with men (MSM), a special high-risk group for persistent HPV infections and anal dysplasia.
Methods  Skin lesions were analysed for the presence of LL-37, RNase 7, and human β-defensin (hBD)-1, hBD-2 and hBD-3. Moreover, HPV typing and HPV DNA load determination for HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31 and 33 were performed to evaluate possible correlations between expression of AMPs and lesional HPV types.
Results  Skin biopsies of 45 HIV-positive MSM with anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN), anal condylomata acuminata or unaffected anal mucosa, as well as condylomata acuminata of eight HIV-negative MSM, were analysed for AMP mRNA expression. Additionally, immunohistochemical analysis for hBD-2 and hBD-3 was performed in a total of 45 samples. hBD-2 and hBD-3 gene and protein expression was significantly increased in both AIN and condyloma, whereas LL-37, RNase 7 and hBD-1 gene expression did not differ significantly from unaffected anal mucosa. AMP expression correlated neither with the number of HPV types nor with the high-risk and low-risk HPV DNA loads of the quantified types. No significant differences in AMP expression were observed in condylomata of HIV-positive and HIV-negative MSM.
Conclusions  hBD-2 and hBD-3 expression was shown to be significantly upregulated in HPV-associated anal skin lesions of both HIV-positive and HIV-negative MSM. Their biological significance in the innate immunity against these lesions needs further research.     

Humorale und zelluläre Immunantwort im Rahmen der HPV-Impfung

Human papillomaviruses (HPV) infect skin or mucosal epithelia causing warts and dysplasia. Infections with certain high-risk HPV types in the anogenital tract can lead to malignant transformation. Cervical cancer is the second most common malignant disease in young women responsible for 275000 deaths annually worldwide. More than 50% of sexually active people acquire HPV infections over their lifetime. Around 80% of infections remain subclinical and are cleared by the immune system. Recently prophylactic vaccines against the two most common high-risk types HPV16 and 18, and additionally low-risk types HPV6 and 11, respectively, have become available. We present an overview concerning recent knowledge on natural and vaccine-induced immunity against HPV infections.     

Papillomavirus-induced anogenital lesions in 121 HIV seropositive men. Clinical, histological, viral study, and evolution]

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infected men, using clinical examination and molecular hybridization in situ. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From May 1995 to May 1997 we studied the prevalence, clinical and histological characteristics, the types and the evolution of the HPV lesions among 121 HIV-infected men. The HPV DNA was determined by molecular hybridization in situ, using biotinylated probes which recognized HPV types 6/11, 16/18 and 31/33/35 in 79 p. 100 (5/19) of the patients (17 biopsies). RESULTS: Sixteen per cent (19/121) of the patients are HPV infected: genital warts in 37 p. 100 (7/19), anal warts in 37 p. 100 (7/19), and ano-genital warts in 26 p. 100 (5/19) of the patients. In every case of anal codyloma, intracanalar lesions were found. In 47 p. 100 (9/19) of the cases, histological exam showed an intra-epithelial neoplasia. The HPV types 6/11, 16/18 and 31/33/51 were positive in 53 p. 100 (9/17), 35 p. 100 (6/17) and 35 p. 100 (6/17) biopsies respectively. High-risk types of HPV have been noted in 71 p. 100 (12/17) of the biopsies. The evolution of the clinical lesions was: recovering in 47 p. 100 (9/19) of the patients (after 3 months of treatment), recurrence in 16 p. 100 (3/19) of the anal warts (after 1 to 3 months of treatment), stabilization in 16 p. 100 (3/19) of the genital warts (after 6 months of treatment) and extension in 11 p. 100 (2/19) of the anogenital warts (after 3 months of treatment). CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of condyloma and dysplasia emphasizes the importance of the anogenital exam in HIV-positive patients. In case of anal lesions, anuscopy and biopsy are required. We insist on the need to closely follow these patients with HPV lesions in order to adapt treatment. Anal cytology and HPV-DNA detection by Hybrid Capture Assay, should be developed for screening and prevention of the malignant transformation of HPV lesions in this population.     

Human papillomavirus DNA in the urogenital tracts of men with gonorrhoea, penile warts or genital dermatoses.

OBJECTIVE--To assess the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA in urethral and urine specimens from men with and without sexually transmitted diseases. DESIGN--Prospective study. SETTING--Two London departments of genitourinary medicine PATIENTS--100 men with urethral gonorrhoea, 31 men with penile warts and 37 men with genital dermatoses. METHODS--Urethral and urine specimens were taken, HPV DNA extracted and then amplified using the polymerase chain reaction. HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31 and 33 were identified using Southern blotting followed by hybridisation. RESULTS--HPV DNA was detected in 18-31% of urethral swab specimens and in 0-14% of urine specimens. Men with penile warts had HPV detected in urethral swabs more often than did men in the other two clinical groups. "High risk" HPV types were found in 71-83% of swab specimens and in 73-80% of urine specimens containing HPV DNA. CONCLUSIONS--HPV is present in the urogenital tracts of men with gonorrhoea, penile warts and with genital dermatoses. In men with urethral gonorrhoea, detection of HPV in urethral specimens is not related to the number of sexual partners, condom usage, racial origin or past history of genital warts. HPV DNA in the urethral swab and urine specimens may represent different aspects of the epidemiology of HPV in the male genital tract. The preponderance of HPV types 16 and 18 in all three groups of men may be relevant to the concept of the "high risk male".     

Genotype distribution of human papillomavirus in anogenital warts of male patients in Taiwan

BackgroundReports on the prevalence of different human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes in male patients with anogenital HPV infection are limited.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the HPV genotypes of 100 consecutive patients seen in our department with anogenital HPV infection during 2003–2006. History was gathered from the medical records.ResultsThe most common HPV genotypes among Taiwanese male patients for check of anogenital warts (in descending order) were HPV 6 (46%), HPV 11 (28%), HPV 16 (6%), HPV 33 (5%), HPV 66 (5%), HPV 18 (4%), HPV 53 (4%), and HPV 72 (4%). Coinfections with two, three, and four genotypes of HPV were present in 16%, 7%, and 1% of the patients, respectively. HPV 16 or 18 was found in 10% of cases, with 60% (6/10) coexisting with HPV 6/11. The presence of either HPV 6, 11, 16, or 18 was 77%. HPV 16 was more common in anal compared to genital warts, with an odds ratio of 3.65.ConclusionThe most common genotype of anogenital HPV infection in Taiwanese males was HPV 6, followed by HPV 11. Coinfection with more than one genotype of HPV as well as concurrent low- and high-risk HPV infection was not uncommon.     

浙江丽水地区男性肛门生殖器疣患者人乳头瘤病毒基因型研究

【摘要】 目的 了解浙江丽水地区男性肛门生殖器疣患者感染人乳头瘤病毒（HPV）基因型的分布状况。方法 PCR-反向斑点杂交技术对150例男性肛门生殖器疣患者标本进行HPV基因分型,包括3种低危型HPV-6、11、43和16种中高危型HPV-16、18、31、33、35、39、45、51、52、53、56、58、59、66、68、CP8304。 结果 150例男性肛门生殖器疣患者中91例（60.67%）检出HPV,其中有74例（81.32%）为低危型HPV-6、11、43的单一或多重感染,另有17例（18.68%）为中高危型的单一或多重感染。31例（34.07%）为多重感染（包括2 ～ 5种基因型混合感染）,其中低危型合并中高危型的多重感染20例占64.52%,低危型之间的二重感染6例占19.35%;HPV-6、11合并中高危型感染分别为13例（41.94%）和6例（19.35%）。各HPV基因型感染136例,感染率从高到低依次为：HPV-6（39例,28.68%）、11（36例,26.47%）、16（11例,8.09%）、52（7例,5.15%）、53（7例,5.15%）、51（6例,4.41%）、58（6例,4.41%）和43（6例,4.41%）。 结论 男性生殖器疣患者HPV基因型感染中,低危型HPV感染占绝对优势,多重感染及各基因型的分布状况差异较大。     

Imiquimod leads to a decrease of human papillomavirus DNA and to a sustained clearance of anal intraepithelial neoplasia in HIV-infected men

Anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN), a human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated precursor lesion of anal carcinoma, is highly prevalent in HIV-infected men having sex with men (MSM). This prospective follow-up study evaluated the long-term results of imiquimod treatment of AIN in 19 HIV-infected MSM. Standardized follow-up examinations included high-resolution anoscopy, anal cytology/histology, HPV typing, and DNA load determination for HPV types 16, 18, 31, and 33. Mean follow-up time was 30.3 months. A total of 74% (14/19) of the patients remained free of AIN at the previously treated site. Five patients (26%) had recurrent high-grade AIN after a mean time of 24.6 months. At the end of follow-up, the numbers of HPV types as well as high-risk HPV-DNA loads were significantly lower than before therapy. During follow-up, 58% of all patients (11/19) developed new anal cytological abnormalities in previously normal, untreated anal regions. 55% of these new AIN lesions were high-grade lesions and most of them were located intra-anally and associated with high-risk HPV types not detectable before therapy. These results demonstrate that imiquimod leads to a high rate of long-term clearance of AIN in HIV-positive men together with a prolonged decrease of high-risk HPV-DNA load. However, new AIN lesions associated with previously undetected HPV types frequently occur in untreated areas.     

Concurrent oral and genital infection with HPV DNA types 6 and 11 in a heterosexual male

Objective Detection of HPV DNA in oral and genital lesions of a heterosexual male. 4 months after oral and vaginal intercourse with a woman with vulvar warts. Passible modes of acquisition of oral HPV infection in the male sexual partner are discussed. Setting Genitourinary Medicine clinic. Methods Polymerase chain reaction amplification of genomic DNA from oral and genital lesions. HPV DNA typing by dot blot hybridization. Results HPV DNA types 6 and 11 were identified in a polypoid tongue lesion and in a penile wart from the male sexual partner. Conclusions The acquisition of oral HPV infection in the male sexual partner may have resulted from genital-oral HPV transfer, either by direct contact with vulvar warts or by digital self-inoculation.     

Changes in HPV infection in patients with anogenital warts and their partners.

OBJECTIVES--To investigate the relationship between clinical findings and the detection of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA in a range of anatomical sites in patients with and without anogenital warts. SUBJECTS--Men and women with a clinical diagnosis of anogenital warts, or a current partner with anogenital warts. SETTING--A department of genitourinary medicine in central London. METHODS--The anogenital areas of the patients were thoroughly examined using a colposcope before and after application of acetic acid. Different types of specimens were taken from a variety of anatomical sites. Superficial skin sampling was performed by the application of slides covered with "Superglue" (SG) to clinically normal and abnormal areas of anogenital skin. The presence of human cells in the SG samples was confirmed by detection of the beta-globin gene using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). HPV DNA was extracted from the specimens and amplified by using consensus primers with the PCR. HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31 and 33 were identified by Southern blotting followed by hybridisation. RESULTS--In women, HPV DNA was detected in 83% of wart biopsies, 29% of cervical biopsies, 36% of cervical scrapes, 25% of urethral loop specimens, 37% of vaginal washes and 33% of rectal swab specimens. In men, HPV DNA was detected in 67% of wart biopsies, 37% of urethral loop specimens and 12% of rectal swab specimens. Of the SG samples containing the beta-globin gene, 49% from women and 50% from men contained HPV DNA. HPV DNA was not detected in buccal scrapes and serum samples from women or men. Of all specimens with detectable HPV DNA, there was evidence of a single HPV type in 41%, multiple types in 48% and undetermined types in 11%. Samples taken from different sites of a patient tended to have HPV types in common. Sexual partners, however, did not consistently have HPV types in common. CONCLUSIONS--HPV DNA was distributed widely in the anogenital area, in warts, acetowhite areas and clinically normal skin. The SG technique was well tolerated by patients and produced results consistent with other findings. Sampling from a single site of the genitalia on one occasion may significantly underestimate the infection rate with HPV. Multifocal infection of the anogenital area with HPV should be taken into consideration when interpreting epidemiological studies and management strategies.