Myrmecia wart inclusions as an incidental histopathologic finding

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Virology
• Pathology

Background:

• Latent human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are known for mucosal and epidermodysplasia verruciformis types.
• Cutaneotropic, non-oncogenic HPV in normal skin is rarely detected.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence of latent cutaneotropic HPV in normal skin.
• To identify and characterize myrmecia wart inclusions in skin biopsies.

Main Methods:

• Histopathologic examination of four skin biopsy specimens from diverse sites.
• Diagnosis of incidental myrmecia wart inclusions.
• Immunohistochemical staining using an anti-HPV antibody.

Main Results:

• Myrmecia wart inclusions observed in the granular layer of three specimens.
• Inclusions stained positive for HPV with the antibody in three out of four cases.
• Inclusions were found in biopsies with diagnoses including intradermal nevus, scarring alopecia, benign keratosis, and stasis dermatitis.

Conclusions:

• Incidental myrmecia wart inclusions in skin biopsies suggest latent cutaneotropic HPV infection.
• Supports the hypothesis that non-oncogenic HPV can remain dormant in normal skin.