Association of human papillomavirus and colon neoplasms
D. Kirgan, P. Manalo, M. Hall and B. McGregor
Department of Surgery, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno.
Human papillomavirus has been shown to be associated with squamous
carcinomas. We evaluated benign and malignant colon tissues for the
presence of human papillomavirus infection to determine if a similar
relationship exists between human papillomavirus and colon neoplasms. Colon
tissues were screened using an immunohistochemical technique to detect
human papillomavirus antigen. In situ DNA hybridization was then performed
on those tissues that yielded positive results by immunohistochemistry.
Groups were compared using chi 2 analysis. Human papillomavirus antigen was
present in 23% of normal colon specimens, 60% of benign tumors, and 97% of
carcinomas. Human papilloma viral genome was demonstrated in 27% of benign
tumors and in nearly 43% of all carcinomas tested. These data indicate that
human papillomavirus infects the columnar mucosa of the colon, and that an
association exists between human papillomavirus and colon neoplasia.
