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Could human papillomaviruses be spread through blood?
Sohrab Bodaghi1, Lauren V Wood, Gregg Roby
1HIV and AIDS Malignancy Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI/NIH, 10 Center Dr., Rm. 10 S255, MSC-1868, Bethesda, MD 20892-1868, USA.
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|November 8, 2005
Summary
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) can be found in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). This suggests PBMCs may act as carriers, potentially spreading HPV through the bloodstream.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are common viruses causing warts and cancers.
- HPV DNA in blood is typically linked to metastatic cancer cells.
- The presence and role of HPV in blood cells remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and form of HPV DNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).
- To compare HPV DNA detection in PBMCs from HIV-infected pediatric patients and healthy blood donors.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of banked frozen PBMCs from 57 HIV-infected pediatric patients (1987-1996).
- Analysis of fresh PBMCs from 19 healthy blood donors (2002-2003).
- Detection of HPV DNA using molecular methods.
Main Results:
- HPV DNA (primarily HPV type 16 subgroups) was detected in PBMCs from 8 HIV-infected patients and 3 healthy donors.
- The HPV genome in all positive samples was episomal, indicating a low DNA copy number.
- Most HIV-infected patients with HPV DNA in PBMCs acquired HIV through transfusion.
Conclusions:
- PBMCs may harbor HPV, potentially acting as viral carriers.
- The findings suggest PBMCs might contribute to HPV spread via the bloodstream.
- Further research is needed to understand the implications of HPV in PBMCs.