Papillomavirus in cervical condylomas with and without associated cervical intraepithelial neoplasia

The aim of this study was to analyze the cytohistologic features of cervical condylomas with respect to the presence of associated cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and to evaluate whether or not the prevalence of virus antigen, as detected by immunologic staining with peroxidase-antiperoxidase technique, varies with the histologic appearance of the lesions. In a series of 94 histologically confirmed condylomas of the cervix, almost half (43) had features of CIN grades 1 and 2, corresponding to mild and moderate dysplasia. The prevalence of papillomavirus antigen decreased markedly as the features of associated dysplasia became more severe. The antigen prevalence was 82% in pure condylomas, 32% in condylomas with CIN 1, and 0% in condylomas with CIN 2. The evidence that virus production decreased as the lesion became more severe does not preclude papillomavirus etiology for the CIN lesions. Cells transformed by papillomavirus may be expected to cease production of virus particles even as they continue to harbor the viral genome.