Detection of human papillomavirus in bronchoalveolar lavage samples in immunocompetent children
Ioannis N Mammas1, Apostolos Zaravinos, George Sourvinos
1Department of Clinical Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
Insights
Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA was detected in the lower respiratory tract of children. This finding suggests HPV may play a role in pediatric lung health and warrants further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Virology
- Oncology
Background:
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) is implicated in adult lung cancer.
- Limited data exists on HPV in the pediatric lower respiratory tract.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of HPV DNA in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples.
- Investigate asymptomatic, immunocompetent children.
Main Methods:
- Prospective enrollment of 71 children (ages 2-12).
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques used for HPV DNA detection and typing.
Main Results:
- HPV DNA detected in 6 out of 71 BAL samples.
- Coinfection with high-risk HPV types (16, 18, 31) in 2 children.
- Non-high-risk HPV types found in 4 children.
Conclusions:
- Preliminary evidence of HPV DNA in children's lower respiratory tract.
- Further research needed on epidemiology, transmission, and role in adult lung cancer.
Background:
Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been detected in lungs of adults and has been proposed to play a role in lung carcinogenesis. However, no data are currently available on the incidence of HPV in the lower respiratory tract of children.
Purpose:
To determine the prevalence of HPV deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples were obtained from asymptomatic immunocompetent children.
Methods:
A total of 71 children between 2 and 12 years of age were prospectively enrolled. Detection of HPV DNA and HPV typing were performed using polymerase chain reaction-based techniques.
Results:
Of the 71 BAL samples, HPV DNA was detected in 6 children. Coinfection with HPV 16, 18, and 31 was detected in 2 children, while 4 children were positive for non-"high-risk" HPVs.
Conclusions:
This preliminary case-control study indicates the presence of HPV DNA in BAL samples in children. The possible presence of HPV in the lower respiratory tract of children requires further investigation to elucidate the actual epidemiologic condition, the potential modes of its transmission, and its possible causative relationship in lung carcinogenesis in adulthood.
