Unusual HPV types in oral warts in association with HIV infection

Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are associated with certain oral soft tissue lesions, such as papillomas, warts, condylomata, and focal epithelial hyperplasia (FEH). HPV types 2, 6, 11, 16, and 18 have been identified in some of these oral lesions, while HPV 13 and 32 are associated with FEH. Little is known about the HPV types in oral warts of persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In this study, oral warts in 17 HIV-seropositive individuals were biopsied. Southern blot analyses were performed and the HPV types found were HPV 7 (7/17), 13 (1/17), 32 (1/17), and 18 (1/17). The presence of HPV type 7 is unusual in that it normally is found only in butcher's warts. There was no correlation between HPV type, histopathology, and clinical appearance of the lesions examined, except that the flat (FEH type) warts contained HPV types 13, 18 and 32 (1 of each). HIV infection appears to predispose individuals to oral infection with unusual HPV types.