Papillomavirus common antigens. Papillomavirus antigen in verruca, benign papillomatous lesions, trichilemmoma, and bowenoid papulosis: an immunoperoxidase study

Basal cell carcinoma arising in association with desmoplastic trichilemmoma

We encountered three cases of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and one case of an atypical basaloid proliferation best classified as a BCC arising in association with desmoplastic trichilemmomata. Desmoplastic trichilemmoma is a benign tumoral lesion with a pseudomalignant appearance that combines histomorphological features of an infiltrating neoplasm with those of a benign trichilemmoma.

Trichilemmomas are not associated with human papillomavirus DNA

Trichilemmoma is considered a benign neoplasm derived from the outer root sheath of the hair follicle. Although the histogenesis of the lesion is unknown, a relationship between human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and development of these tumors has been suggested on morphologic observations. In order to determine whether HPV is, in fact, present in these lesions, we have analyzed sections from 25 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded trichilemmomas for the presence of occult HPV DNA using ultrasensitive DNA amplification technology. Under carefully controlled conditions normally effective in detecting HPV from condyloma or verrucae, we were unable to detect an HPV-induced amplimer in agarose gels or their corresponding Southern blots using radiolabeled probes. Our results do not support the hypothesis that trichilemmomas arise from HPV infection.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the nail bed: a clinicopathological study of 12 cases

Twelve cases were reviewed of squamous cell carcinoma of the nail bed, with emphasis on the aetiological role of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and radiation damage. Using a hybridization technique, similar HPV genomes were detected in a uterine cervical neoplasia and a subungual squamous cell carcinoma in the same patient.

The identification of molluscum infection by immunohistochemical means

Tissue obtained from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded blocks containing molluscum contagiosum virus was used as a source of antigen to generate a polyclonal antibody against molluscum contagiosum virus. This antibody recognized an antigen in molluscum bodies which was preserved during routine fixation and embedding. The antibody can be used with standard immunohistochemical methods to identify molluscum contagiosuminfection in inflamed and distorted tissue specimens. Our data indicate that paraffin-embedded, formalin-fixed material can be used as an antigenic source to generate antibodies with diagnostic potential.

Bowenoid papulosis of the genitalia associated with human papillomavirus DNA type 16 in an infant with atopic dermatitis

A case of bowenoid papulosis occurred in a 2-year-old male with atopic dermatitis. Clinical and histologic features of the lesions were typical, and human papillomavirus type 16 DNA was identified using high-stringency hybridization techniques. Although the lesions had been present for approximately one year prior to examination, they subsequently resolved spontaneously over six months. We postulate that our patient's susceptibility to human papillomavirus may have been related to his severe atopic tendency.

A comparative immunoperoxidase and histopathologic study of condylomata acuminata

Thirty-seven lesions from 29 patients with condylomata acuminata were comparatively studied by peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) technique and routine histopathology. PAP staining demonstrated papillomavirus common antigen (PCA) mostly in the granular layer of the epidermis in 22 of 37 lesions (59%) of condylomata acuminata. Presence of PCA is closely correlated with the following histopathologic findings: 1) coarse keratohyalin granules; 2) perinuclear vacuolization or koilocytotic cells in the granular layer; 3) hyperkeratosis with focal parakeratosis. From these findings it is concluded that these histopathologic findings suggest the presence of PCA, and that the presence of papillomavirus may play a role in the formation of these histopathologic features of condylomata acuminata.