[Detection of human papillomavirus DNA sequence in esophageal carcinoma using polymerase chain reaction]

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) DNA sequence in 68 paraffin-embedded specimens of esophageal carcinoma collected from high-risk Shantou City was detected and typed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. The results showed a 66.18% (45/68) positive rate of HPV DNA. Among these esophageal carcinoma specimens, 44 out of the 45 positive specimens were squamous cell carcinoma and one was adenosquamous carcinoma. The HPV DNA types detected were mostly HPV-6, -11, and -16. HPV-6 DNA was found in 19 (27.94%) of the 68 specimens, HPV-11 DNA in 25 (36.76%) and HPV-16 in 19 (27.94%) specimens. Among these three types, the difference gave no statistical significance (P > 0.05). But HPV-18 DNA was detected in only 6 (8.82%) specimens and the HPV in other 6 specimens was unidentified. It should be noted that as many as 24 (53.33%) of the 45 positive cases had multi-infection (coinfection of 2 or 3 types). Our results suggested that a higher detectable rate of HPV DNA was found in Shantou City as a high-risk region and that HPVs might be closely associated with the pathogenesis of the esophageal carcinoma.