Papillomavirus in human conjunctival papillomas

Forty-one human conjunctival papillomas were histopathologically examined for koilocytosis and papillomavirus common antigen with a peroxidase-antiperoxidase technique immunospecific for genus-specific papillomavirus antigen. Koilocytotic cells, typically found in other papillomavirus-induced tumors, were present in 24 of the 41 specimens. Two of the 41 specimens were positive for viral antigen. The positive reactions were intranuclear within the superficial layers of the epithelium.