A potentially oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV-5) found in two renal allograft recipients

We have observed 2 immunosuppressed renal allograft recipients with skin lesions induced by human papillomavirus type 5 (HPV-5). One recipient had multiple pityriasis versicolor-like (PV-like) skin lesions on his arms and trunk, and multiple Bowenoid in-situ skin cancers. The other had 2 warty lesions on the back of her fingers. Structural antigens of human papillomavirus type 5 (HPV-5) were identified in benign lesions from both patients by immunofluorescence. The histologic and ultrastructural features observed in lesions from both patients were similar to those previously seen in HPV-5-induced lesions occurring in patients with the rare disease epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV). The severe form of EV is characterized by HPV-5-induced PV-like lesions, multiple skin cancers, and usually depressed cell-mediated immunity. The picture seen in one of our renal allograft recipients recalls this severe form of EV. HPV-5, until now, has been found only in EV patients. The role of this potentially oncogenic virus in skin cancers which are known to occur with increased frequency in immunosuppressed renal allograft recipients must be determined.