Factors associated with detection of human papillomavirus E4 and L1 proteins in condylomata acuminata.

The E4 and L1 gene products of human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6 and 11 are detected in variable amounts in condylomata acuminata. To study factors associated with detection of these proteins, biopsy specimens containing HPV-6 or -11 were analyzed for E4 protein, L1 protein, and HPV copy number. Seventeen of 50 women biopsied were pregnant. Nine men were also biopsied. Both the E4 and L1 proteins were found more frequently in lesions from pregnant women than from nonpregnant women or men. Both proteins were more often detected in lesions from women than from men. E4 gene products were more often detected in lesions in which L1 protein was detected and a higher HPV copy number was present. Detection of E4 gene products correlates with the detection of L1 protein in condylomata acuminata caused by HPV-6 or -11.