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Human papillomavirus in pterygium.
M J Gallagher1, A Giannoudis, C S Herrington
1Arrow Park Hospital, Wirral, Liverpool, UK. mjgallagher@doctors.org.uk
The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|June 26, 2001
Summary
Human papillomavirus (HPV) was detected in 50% of conjunctival pterygia samples, suggesting a potential role in their development. The same HPV types found in pterygia were also present in conjunctival papillomas.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Virology
- Oncology
Background:
- Conjunctival pterygia are benign growths on the eye's surface.
- The role of viral infections, specifically human papillomavirus (HPV), in pterygium development is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and types of HPV in conjunctival pterygia.
- To compare HPV types found in pterygia with those in conjunctival papillomas.
Main Methods:
- Utilized polymerase chain reaction and dot-blot hybridization to detect 21 HPV types in 10 pterygia samples.
- Included conjunctival papillomas as positive controls and various conjunctival tumors as negative controls.
- Ensured sample subgroups had equal sex, race, and age distribution to minimize bias.
Main Results:
- HPV was detected in 90% of conjunctival papillomas and 50% of pterygia samples.
- No HPV was found in the negative control group (primary acquired melanosis and malignant melanoma).
- HPV types 6, 11, and 16 were identified in pterygia and also found in papillomas.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest HPV may contribute to the pathogenesis of conjunctival pterygia.
- The study indicates that similar HPV types are implicated in both pterygia and papillomas.
- Persistent conjunctival HPV might influence pterygium recurrence after surgical removal, warranting further investigation.