[Diagnosis and follow-up study of human papillomavirus infection in benign epithelium and mild dysplasia of the uterine cervix].

In this study, we evaluated the sensitivity of cytology, colposcopy and the dot blot method (Vira Pap, Vira Type) for the screening of HPV infection in benign epithelium and mild dysplasia of the uterine cervix, and then investigated subsequent changes in HPV DNA in the lesion. The HPV infection detection rates for cytology, colposcopy and the dot blot method were 14/46 (30.4%), 30/46 (65.2%) and 35/46 (76.1%), respectively. Cases where HPV DNA was negative with the dot blot method but HPV infection was suspected with cytologic and colposcopic examination were 3/6 (50.0%) in the undigestive type except for HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33 and 35. HPV DNA disappeared after 3-6 months in persistent cases with histologically benign epithelium in the one year follow-up. In persistent cases of mild dysplasia followed up histologically for one year from the time of the first visit showed differences between negative and positive cases of HPV DNA after 1 year. In 2 progressive cases (HPV 31 and 16 types) HPV DNA in the cervix was detected continuously. We consider that the dot blot technique is a valuable method for identifying human papillomavirus infection. However, detection of undigestive HPV types by the dot blot method was poor. Therefore, the joint use of cytology, colposcopy and the dot blot method seems to be a valuable screening technique. Individual variations in the clinical course of the high risk group appear to reflect profound differences in the effectiveness of host responses. Therefore, cases where continuous HPV DNA was observed in the high risk groups should be followed up for a long period.