A new nonisotopic detection of human papillomavirus DNA using polymerase chain reaction.

A novel technique using a two-step polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with specific primers detecting human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA of types 6/11, 16, and 18 and a final nonisotopic colorimetric detection has been developed. Sixty formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded sections were treated with this methodology and the results compared with those obtained with in situ hybridization (ISH). Twenty cases displaying HPV DNA with ISH were positive with PCR. Seven (35%) of 20 cases negative for ISH but evocative of HPV infection with classic histology displayed HPV DNA with the two-step PCR. Only one case (5%) of 20 normal tissues and/or inflammatory lesions not evocative of HPV infection and negative upon ISH showed HPV DNA. This original technique allows rapid, highly sensitive, and specific detection of HPV DNA and is suitable for most laboratories.