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Herpes simplex virus in postradiation cervical smears. A morphologic and immunocytochemical study
A Longatto Filho1, M Y Maeda, M S Oyafuso
1Division of Pathology, Adolfo Lutz Institute, São Paulo State Public Health Service, Brazil.
Acta Cytologica
|September 1, 1990
Summary
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) was detected in Papanicolaou smears of cervical cancer patients post-radiotherapy. This suggests radiation may increase susceptibility to HSV infection, warranting further research into mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Gynecologic Oncology
- Virology
- Cytopathology
Background:
- Radiotherapy for cervical cancer can cause cellular changes.
- Distinguishing viral cytopathic effects from radiation effects is clinically important.
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a common viral infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of HSV in Papanicolaou smears from patients treated for cervical cancer.
- To determine if radiotherapy influences HSV detection.
- To analyze the cytomorphologic features of co-occurring radiation and HSV effects.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Papanicolaou smears from 1,340 cervical cancer patients treated with radiotherapy.
- Avidin-biotin immunoperoxidase staining for HSV antigen detection.
- In situ hybridization and immunoperoxidase studies on preradiation biopsies.
Main Results:
- HSV antigen was confirmed in Papanicolaou smears of 3 post-radiotherapy patients.
- Both multinucleated molded cells and unaffected epithelial cells showed HSV positivity.
- HSV markers were absent in preradiation smears and biopsies, suggesting post-treatment acquisition.
- Overlapping cytomorphologic features of radiation and HSV were observed.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest radiotherapy may predispose cervical cancer patients to secondary HSV infections.
- Further studies are needed to confirm this association and elucidate underlying mechanisms.
- Simultaneous presence of radiation and viral effects, like multinucleation, can occur.