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Non-invasive detection of HPV DNA in exfoliative samples from ophthalmic pterygium: a feasibility study
Αikaterini K Chalkia1,2, Stavros Derdas2,3, Georgios Bontzos1,2
1Department of Ophthalmology, University General Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
Purpose:
The evaluation of a non-invasive detection method for human papilloma virus (HPV) in ophthalmic pterygia.
Methods:
Cotton swab samples and corresponding tissue specimens were collected from 21 ophthalmic pterygia of 21 patients. HPV detection and typing were performed by real-time PCR. Discrepancies in HPV detection between swab and tissue samples as well as clinical correlations of findings were examined.
Results:
HPV DNA was detected in 9 (42.86%) tissue specimens and 8 (38.09%) respective swab specimens. HPV genotypes 33, 39, 45, 56, 59 and 66 were identified in the examined specimens, while more than one strain's HPV type was detected in 2 specimens. HPV presence was significantly correlated with the female gender whereas other clinical associations were not statistically significant.
Conclusions:
Findings imply that PCR-mediated HPV detection and typing in exfoliative swab specimens may be employed as a non-invasive diagnostic tool in the management of ophthalmic pterygia.
