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Vaccinia Virus Infection & Temporal Analysis of Virus Gene Expression: Part 3
Published on: April 13, 2009
Association between human papillomavirus DNA and temporal arteritis
Amir Mohammadi1, John D Pfeifer, James S Lewis
1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, College of Medicine, Jacksonville, FL, USA. amir.mohammadi@jax.ufl.edu
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
|July 27, 2012
Summary
Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA was significantly associated with biopsy-confirmed giant cell arteritis (GCA). This finding suggests a potential link between HPV infection and GCA, warranting further investigation into the underlying mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Rheumatology
- Pathology
Background:
- Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a systemic vasculitis affecting large arteries.
- The potential role of infectious agents in GCA pathogenesis remains an area of investigation.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been implicated in various inflammatory conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between human papillomavirus (HPV) and biopsy-confirmed giant cell arteritis (GCA).
- To determine if HPV DNA is present in temporal artery biopsies of GCA patients compared to controls.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study was conducted using 22 GCA temporal artery biopsies and 21 control biopsies.
- HPV DNA detection was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Cervista™ HPV HR assays.
- Vascular margins of nephrectomies served as additional controls.
Main Results:
- HPV DNA was detected in 73% of GCA cases versus 24% of negative controls (p=0.001).
- HPV positivity was also significantly higher in GCA cases compared to vascular margin controls (20%, p=0.002).
- Results were confirmed by an independent HPV detection method.
Conclusions:
- A statistically significant association exists between HPV positivity and biopsy-confirmed giant cell arteritis.
- The findings suggest a potential role for HPV in the development of GCA.
- Further research is needed to understand the pathophysiology of this association.
