[A comparative study of sensitivities of immunocytochemistry, koilocytosis and transmission electron microscopy in detecting HPV in the cervical condyloma and intraepithelial neoplasia as compared to DNA hybridization].

The sensitivity in detection of human papillomavirus (HPV) by immunocytochemistry, histological observation of koilocytosis and electron microscopy with reference to the results of Southern blot DNA hybridization were reviewed in 41 lesions (37 patients) of cervical and vaginal condylomata acuminata and intraepithelial neoplasia. HPV DNA was demonstrated in all but one lesion of moderate dysplasia (98%). HPV capsid antigens were demonstrated by immunocytochemistry in approximately 60% of the lesions of condyloma and mild dysplasia. Koilocytosis was present in approximately 90% of the lesions of condyloma and mild dysplasia as well. But the rate of HPV detection by immunocytochemistry and by observation of koilocytosis declined markedly in severe lesions; immunocytochemistry was positive in 22% and koilocytosis was present in 60% in the lesions of moderate dysplasia: positive in 17% and 33% respectively in the lesions of severe dysplasia: 0% and 20% respectively in the lesions of CIS. Intranuclear virus-like particles were observed in all of 8 lesions subjected to electron microscopy. The negative findings of immunocytochemistry and koilocytosis in advanced cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) have very little significance in relation to the actual presence of HPV in these lesions, although they may be useful in detecting HPV in condyloma acuminatum and mild dysplasia (over 50%).