Detection with the polymerase chain reaction of human papillomavirus DNA in condylomata acuminata treated in vitro with liquid nitrogen, trichloroacetic acid, and podophyllin.

BACKGROUND

The mechanisms of action for local treatments used against condylomata acuminata are unknown, but most are believed to cause physical destruction of infected tissue.

OBJECTIVE

Our purpose was to determine whether liquid nitrogen, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), and podophyllin damage HPV DNA found in condylomata acuminata.

METHODS

Fourteen genital warts were excised from 14 patients and divided. One part was treated with liquid nitrogen, the second and third parts were treated with TCA and podophyllin, respectively, and the remainder served as a control. DNA was then extracted from tissue by proteolytic digestion and amplified by the polymerase chain reaction. Dot blots were performed with the use of radiolabeled consensus and HPV type-specific probes.

RESULTS

HPV DNA was amplified and detected in 100% of untreated specimens, in 92% of specimens treated with liquid nitrogen, and in 15% and 7% of specimens treated with podophyllin and TCA, respectively.

CONCLUSION

TCA and podophyllin damage HPV DNA more effectively than does liquid nitrogen.