Detection of several types of human papilloma viruses in AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Virology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-associated Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is epidemiologically linked to an infectious agent.
• Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are common sexually transmitted infections, frequently observed in homosexual men, a key risk group for KS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential role of HPV in the development of AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma.
• To identify specific HPV types present in KS lesions and compare them with control skin samples.

Main Methods:

• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and in situ hybridization were employed to detect HPV DNA.
• 24 cutaneous AIDS-associated KS specimens and control skin samples (from AIDS patients without KS and HIV-seronegative individuals) were analyzed.

Main Results:

• HPV DNA sequences were detected in 5 of 24 KS specimens.
• HPV DNA was also found in control skin specimens (4/13 from AIDS patients, 5/14 from HIV-seronegative patients).
• HPV types 6 and 33 were newly identified in KS lesions, alongside previously known HPV types 16/18. HPV types 16/18 were more prevalent in KS, while HPV type 33 was more common in control skin.

Conclusions:

• This study confirms the presence of HPV 6 and 33 in AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma, expanding the known spectrum of HPV types associated with this condition.
• The findings suggest a potential role for specific HPV types in the pathogenesis of KS, although HPV is also detected in normal skin of individuals with and without HIV.