High-grade cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions in female partners of men with high-grade penile squamous intraepithelial lesions: a monocentric retrospective study

We have conducted the first study to focus on the presence of cervical human papillomavirus (HPV) lesions in the female partners of males with high-grade penile squamous intraepithelial lesions (PHSILs). A histologically confirmed cervical squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) in female partners was observed in 81% of cases, with high-grade SIL seen in more than two-thirds of cases and low-grade SIL in a third. It is important to screen females whose male partners have PHSIL, in order to detect a clinical HPV lesion early and treat it, if necessary. Our results indicate that a HPV test and reflex cytology (if the HPV test is positive) are necessary for the female partners of males with PHSIL. If there is an abnormal Pap smear, colposcopy should be performed.

High-grade and low-grade HPV-induced urethral lesions treated by CO2 laser under colposcopy

OBJECTIVES

This study is reporting the CO₂ laser treatment efficiency on urethral lesions caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) and the correlation between the type of lesion high-grade and low-grade on the histology and the HPV genotype(s).

METHODS

Sixty-nine patients (59 men and 10 women) with urethral lesions were screened for HPV genotype(s) by in situ hybridisation and PCR. HPV lesions were biopsied and p16^INK4a expression was tested to confirm urethral high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (U HSIL) on the histology prior to CO₂ laser treatment under colposcopy. The patients were followed up for 12 months.

RESULTS

We observed urethral low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (U LSIL) in 54/69 cases (78.3%) and U HSIL in 7/69 cases (10%) confirmed by p16^{INK4a staining}. Then we looked at the HPV genotype present in each lesion. We observed the following: 31/69 (45%) patients have a unique HPV genotype, with 12/31 (38.7%) of high risk; 21/54 (38.8%) of U LSIL and 1/7 (14%) of U HSIL have HPV low-risk and high-risk coinfections. Efficient treatment with CO₂ laser under colposcopy was done using a meatal spreader to help visualisation of 20 mm in the distal urethra. We cured 64/69 (92.7%) patients at 3 months with 4/69 (5.7%) meatotomy and persistent 1/67 (1.4%) urethral stricture at 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

HSIL was present in the urethra without being able to define specific clinical criteria. Treatment with a CO₂ laser under colposcopy with a meatus spreader is a simple surgical procedure with high efficiency and few complications that could prevent the risk of HPV-induced carcinoma.

Potential impact of the human papillomavirus vaccine on the incidence proportion of genital warts in French women (EFFICAE study): a multicentric prospective observational study

Background The objective was to evaluate the effect of a HPV vaccination program on the incidence proportion of a proxy, genital warts (GW), in women in France.

METHODS

The number of primary GW cases was prospectively recorded over two 4-month periods before (T0: Dec 2008 to March 2009) and after (T1: Dec 2011 to March 2012) a HPV vaccination program. A total of 160 gynaecologists participated in T0 and 189 in T1. Primary genital herpes (HSV) infection was used as a control.

RESULTS

During T0, 39190 15- to 26 year-old women were seen, of whom 176 were diagnosed with GW (incidence proportion: 0.45%) and 155 with primary HSV infection (incidence proportion: 0.39%). During T1, 45628 females were seen [229 with GW (incidence proportion: 0.50%) and 202 with HSV (incidence proportion: 0.44%)]. In the 15-20 years age category, the incidence proportion of primary GW decreased from 0.41% to 0.30% (P=0.128) between T0 and T1, and the proportion of women newly diagnosed with primary genital herpes diseases slightly increased from 0.34% to 0.38% (P=0.620). In the 15-18 years age group, this decrease became significant (0.34% to 0.18%; P=0.048).

CONCLUSIONS

A trend for a non-significant decreased incidence proportion of GW was observed in young women below 20 years who are more frequently vaccinated. This may be the result of HPV vaccination and suggests that a substantial increase in vaccine coverage could lead to a more pronounced decreased incidence proportion of GW in the future.

[Prevalence of HPV-induced lesions in men: a study from 246 heterosexual couples]

OBJECTIVES

Human Papillomaviruses (HPV) infection is high in heterosexual couples. We have evaluated clinically the frequency and the histological type of genital lesions in men whose partners have an HPV cervical and/or external genital lesion.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study; we examined 246 men whose partner was referred for HPV lesions treatment of either the external genital tract or the cervix. All clinical HPV lesions detected in the men then underwent histological examination.

RESULTS

In 72% of cases, the couples were 18 to 35 years old. We detected HPV clinical lesions, confirmed histologically in 43% (106/246) of men. Warts and high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia were diagnosed in 83 (78%) and 23 (22%) of cases, respectively. The prevalence of clinical HPV lesions in men ranged from 34% in case of HG CIN to 80% when the female partner suffered from genital warts.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

The high frequency of clinical HPV lesions in men whose the partner has warts should lead to a peniscopy of the partner in these cases. Similarly, the peniscopy detects an HPV lesion in a third of men of which the partner gets a HG CIN. It is necessary to realize prospective studies to reevaluate the impact of diagnosing and treating male lesions with regard to the evolution of HG CIN in their partner.

Human papillomavirus genotype distribution in anal cancer in France: the EDiTH V study

Anal cancer is a rare cancer but its incidence is increasing. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection seems to be associated with the occurrence of most cases. The genotype-specific prevalence of HPV in anal cancer was estimated to assess the potential benefit of HPV vaccination in France. Anal cancer histological specimens were retrospectively recruited in 2008 from 16 French centres and centrally tested for HPV genotyping using the INNO-LiPA assay allowing the detection of 28 genotypes. Results were analyzed according to age, gender, HIV status when available and histological diagnosis. A total of 366 anal cancer cases were analyzed among which 62% were females. Mean age at diagnosis was 54.8 years in males and 66.4 years in females (p < 0.001). HPV was found in 96.7% of cases, 72% being infected by a single HPV type. Presence of at least one high-risk genotype was observed in 91% of cases (96% in females and 83% in males; p < 0.001). HPV16 was by far the most prevalent genotype (75%), followed by HPV18, HPV52, HPV33, and HPV51 (4-6%). HPV16/18 alone or in association were found in 78% of all cases. HIV-positive cases had a higher proportion of multiple HPV infection than HIV-negative cases and a slightly different HPV type distribution with an under-representation of HPV16 and an over-representation of other types. Our results indicate that anal cancer rarely occurs in the absence of HPV and emphasize the predominant role of HPV16. The potential benefit of HPV vaccine on the occurrence of anal cancer should be further evaluated.

[Penile intraepithelial neoplasia]

The increasing incidence of anogenital carcinoma in situ in young adults over the last twenty years is correlated with certain sexually transmissible diseases. This increased incidence of genital lesions requires a review of the clinicopathological classification of penile intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) to help the clinician differentiate the aetiology in order to propose the least mutilating treatment. Bowen-like or human papillomavirus (HPV)-induced PIN in young men present different clinical features and a different natural history from those of high-grade PIN of elderly men. This distinction between the clinical features and the period of development of the lesions according to their histology, differentiated, undifferentiated or borderline, allows evaluation of the risk of progression of the intraepithelial neoplasia. Lesions corresponding to oncogenic HPV infection, often involving all of the anogenital region, require clinical surveillance to avoid possible carcinomatous transformation. Most importantly, the detection and treatment of these lesions participate in the prevention of cervical cancer.

Cytologic detection of human papillomavirus DNA in normal male urethral samples

OBJECTIVES

To quantify the existence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection without detectable lesions in the male urethra, and to verify the sensitivity and specificity of ureteral cytology. We compared the results of clinical and colposcopic examinations, ureteral cytology, and HPV DNA testing by polymerase chain reaction amplification in the male partners of women with genital HPV disease.

METHODS

A total of 110 cytobrush samples of urethral cells from male sexual partners of women with genital HPV-associated lesions were analyzed by cytology and for virologic detection of HPV 6/11, 42, 16/18 by polymerase chain reaction followed by Southern blot hybridization. The results were correlated with the presence or absence of genital HPV-associated lesions.

RESULTS

HPV DNA was detected in 1 sample (3%) from men without visible lesions, in 5 samples (15%) from men with penile lesions but without urethral lesions, and in 16 men with urethral lesions (78%). Cytology showed cellular changes suggesting HPV infection in 81% of men with urethral lesions, but also in 15% of men without lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that HPV-DNA positivity in the absence of clinically or colposcopically detected lesions is a rare event. Although sensitive enough, cytology is not specific, and its use as a screening tool may lead to a high number of false-positive results.

Frequency of herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus and human papillomavirus DNA in semen

Herpes simplex virus (HSV-2) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections produce brain damage in the newborn, and human papillomavirus (HPV) plays a role in cervical carcinogenesis. To assess the frequency of herpes virus and HPV in semen and its role in transmission, semen from 111 male partners of women with histologically-detected genital HPV infection was analysed for HSV, CMV and HPV infection. We used cell culture to detect HSV and CMV, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for HPV. Virological findings in the sperm were correlated to the presence or absence of HPV-associated genital lesions and to the viral type. Viral cultures yielded HSV-2 DNA in 9% and CMV DNA in 6.3% of cases. No correlation was established with a history of clinically apparent infection for HSV. HPV-DNA was detected in 23.4% of semen by PCR techniques: in 48% of subjects with urethral lesions, in 22% of patients with penile lesions, in 2% of patients without HPV-associated lesions. HPV-DNA type 16 was detected in 3.6% of cases. Patients with a positive HPV semen sample and penile or urethral lesions had the same HPV type detected in the two specimens. The study shows a high detection of clinically inapparent HSV and CMV, but does not confirm high HPV prevalence in semen from men without detectable lesions. Our study also suggests that the mechanism for semen contamination by HPV is the exfoliation of infected cells from urethral lesions during semen ejaculation, and probably, by abrasion from penile lesions. This could result in the contamination of semen used in assisted reproductive technology.

[Buschke-Lowenstein penile tumor]

The Buschke-Löwenstein genital tumour is a poorly defined, uncommon tumour. The distinction between benign lesions, potentially malignant lesions and carcinomatous lesions is difficult. The authors report a case of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) 11-associated Buschke-Löwenstein tumour with an area of micro-invasive carcinoma on histological examination of the surgical resection specimen. A 34-year-old patient was operated for recurrent condylomatous lesions of the penis with scrotal extension. Histological examination of the complete operative specimen confirmed the presence of Buschke-Löwenstein tumour as well as an area of dermal micro-invasion on one section. Molecular hybridization revealed the presence of HPV 11 DNA and immunohistochemistry showed basal cells weakly expressing mutant p53. The classification of Buschke-Löwenstein tumours is controversial. Some authors consider these tumours to be benign tumours or giant condylomata (non-metastatic, associated with HPV 6-11), while others consider these tumours to be borderline malignant (local extension and risk of progression to invasive carcinoma). The role of HPV as cofactor involved in carcinomatous transformation also remains controversial. The authors emphasize the need for surgical resection of this type of tumour with histological examination of the entire operative specimen looking for areas of micro-invasion. In the presence of micro-invasion with healthy resection margins and staging by clinical examination and complementary investigations, treatment essentially consists of regular surveillance.

[Intraepithelial carcinoma and invasive carcinoma of the vulva, vagina and penis in Ile-de-france. Enquete PETRI on 423 cases]

OBJECTIVE

Precancerous and invasive carcinoma of the external genitalia and of the vagina are rare tumors and their incidence is not very well known in the Paris region. The objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency of precancerous and invasive lesions of the vulva, the vagina and the penis as well as their variation according to age.

METHODS

A prospective study was conducted implicating private and public pathology laboratories in Paris and the seven departments around. Four hundred and twenty three genital biopsies have been analyzed: 160 from the vulva, 151 from the vagina and 112 from the penis.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 45 years. The highest frequency of genital biopsies was similar for the three anatomical sites and concerned patients of 25-34 years old. intraepithelial neoplasias represented 77p. 100 of the biopsies (32p. 100 of low grade and 45p. 100 of high grade), invasive squamous carcinoma and adenocarcinoma represented 21p. 100 and 2p. 100 of cases, respectively. The mean age of the patients with low grade vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia, low grade vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia and low grade penile intraepithelial were 34, 40 and 33 years old, respectively. An interval of three to seven years separates the mean age of low grade intraepithelial neoplasia from the mean age of high grade. High grade intraepithelial neoplasia present a peak of frequency in the same class of age for the three localizations (25-34 years) and the risk of developing a high grade intraepithelial neoplasia of the external genital was higher between 25 and 35 years and between 35-45 years of the vagina. The mean age of invasive vulvar carcinoma, vagina carcinoma and penile carcinoma was 62, 59 and 68 years old, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The correlation between the development of intraepithelial neoplasia of the vulva and the penis supposes a common aetiologic factor in the majority of the cases. The diagnosis of a intraepithelial neoplasia implies a clinical, colposcopic and follow-up of the entire genital area.

Incidence of preputial lichen sclerosus in adults: histologic study of circumcision specimens

BACKGROUND

Narrowing of the prepuce in men is poorly documented, and the causes are often unknown, except in the case of clinical infections or skin diseases such as lichen sclerosus (LS).

OBJECTIVE

We conducted a histologic study of circumcision specimens with phimosis or paraphimosis.

METHODS

This prospective study included 43 men with contraction referred for circumcision.

RESULTS

LS was present in 32% of cases, but only 12% of these cases of LS had not been diagnosed before circumcision. In 31% of cases the histologic findings were normal. Subacute nonspecific inflammatory changes were diagnosed in 37% of all cases, and secondary narrowing of the prepuce in 62% of cases. It is probable that this histologic modification of the preputial mucosa is involved in narrowing of the prepuce.

CONCLUSION

Phimosis in young adults is usually not associated with LS (only 14%). In contrast, most older patients had secondary phimosis caused by progressive LS (40%) or subacute nonspecific inflammatory changes (40%). Although all cases of phimosis in men should be treated by complete circumcision to prevent penile cancer, paraphimosis associated with preputial dyspareunia, with the exception of cases associated with LS, can be treated by corrective surgery.

Developmental factors of urethral human papillomavirus lesions: correlation with circumcision

OBJECTIVE

To assess the relationship between circumcision and urethral human papillomavirus (HPV) lesions, and the influence of urethritis on the development of urethral HPV infections on inducing squamous metaplasia of the urethral epithelium.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study included 210 heterosexual, HIV-negative men (median age 29 years) who all had female partners with genital HPV infection. The patients were divided into three groups according to clinical findings, i.e. 97 patients with no clinical HPV lesions on peniscopy and urethroscopy, 70 patients with balanopreputial lesions but no urethral lesions, and 43 patients with urethral HPV lesions, including 17 who had associated penile lesions. They all underwent meatopeniscopy for HPV screening, urethral biopsy for histological analysis, and bacterial cultures were taken. The results in each subgroup were compared between circumcised and uncircumcised men.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in the incidence of HPV infection (58% vs 42%, odds ratio, OR, 1.8; 95% confidence interval, CI, 0.98-3.62) between uncircumcised and circumcised men, but this relationship differed with the developmental site of HPV lesions (shaft-foreskin, P<0.02; urethra, not significant). There was also a significant difference in the prevalence of urethritis between uncircumcised and circumcised men (34.5% vs 19%, OR 2.35, 95% CI 1. 08-5.11), and between HPV-infected and uninfected men (41.5% vs 18%, OR 3.17, 95% CI 1.71-5.83). This positive relationship of the prevalence of urethritis for both factors (circumcision and HPV) depended on the type of organism (sexually transmitted disease, not significant; common organism, P<0.02). The frequency of urethritis was related to the site of HPV lesions; urethritis was present in 36% of the patients with preputial HPV lesions, compared with 51% of those with urethral HPV lesions. Chlamydia trachomatis was detected in 1% of the patients without and in 7% of those with HPV lesions. In 68% of the patients, histological analysis of the urethral mucosa showed a squamous metaplasia of the urethral epithelium associated with urethritis.

CONCLUSIONS

Being uncircumcised did not seem to increase the risk of HPV urethral infection in young men. Genital bacterial infections and urethral HPV lesions appear to be linked. Urethritis can induce squamous metaplasia of the urethral epithelium, which appears to favour the colonization of the anterior urethra by HPVs.

Comparison of clinical, histological, and virological symptoms of HPV in HIV-1 infected men and immunocompetent subjects

OBJECTIVE

We assessed the clinical, histological, and virological features of anogenital human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, according to their immune status in HIV-1 infected men, referred for an anogenital examination or treatment, in comparison with immunocompetent patients.

METHODS

The study population comprised 33 HIV-1 infected heterosexual or homosexual men and 38 HIV negative men seen in a screening and treatment centre for anogenital HPV infections. All patients were examined with a colposcope. Biopsies were carried out on all subjects with anogenital lesions for histological studies and HPV detection by Southern blot.

RESULTS

The HIV infected patients had a balanopreputial HPV infection in 70%, anal in 30%, and urethral in 37%, while HIV negative patients had balanopreputial lesion in 72%, anal in 26%, and urethral in 16%. Diffuse anogenital lesions were present in 33% of the HIV infected cases and in 10.5% of HIV negative cases (p < 0.02). Among the HIV infected patients, the genital HPV lesions were condylomatous in 67.5% of the cases and dysplastic in 57%. HIV negative patients had condylomatous lesions in 86% of the cases and dysplasic in 14%. The condylomatous lesions of HIV infected patients had a low grade malignant histological aspect in 36% of the cases and high grade histological criteria were found in 22% of the dysplasias. Oncogenic HPVs were detected more frequently in HIV infected patients (35% v 12%) and more than one HPV type was found in 21.5% of cases. Neither the anogenital diffusion of the HPV lesions nor their morphological, histological, and virological features differed significantly in patient with CD4 cell counts > or < 200 x 10(6)/l. In contrast, patients with CD4 cell counts < 50 x 10(6)/l had a higher risk of several types of HPVs and of developing a diffuse anogenital infection.

CONCLUSION

HIV-1 infected patients had an increased frequency of high grade anogenital dysplastic lesions and a higher frequency of HPV infection with multiple and diffuse sites of involvement. These characteristics of HPV infection were independent of the patients' immune status up to CD4 cell counts > 50 x 10(6)/l but showed an increased risk when the CD4 cell count was < 50 x 10(6)/l. The higher frequency of diffuse anogenital infections among HIV infected men calls for rapid treatment, laser or surgery, given the association of histological features of intraepithelial neoplasia and the presence of multiple HPV infection sites which may be the consequence of immune disturbances, most of which are transmissible potentially oncogenic HPVs.

Lack of evidence for a role of human papillomaviruses in transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder

PURPOSE

In view of the conflicting results reported in the literature, we assessed the involvement of human papillomaviruses (HPV) in the development of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 58 bladder papillomatous proliferations was histologically examined and analyzed for the presence of HPV deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequences by Southern blot hybridization and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method.

RESULTS

Typical features of condyloma acuminatum were observed in the bladder specimen of a patient with urethral condylomatosis. Of the specimens 57 had histological features of transitional cell carcinoma but no known signs of HPV infection. HPV-6 DNA was detected in the condylomatous tumor. However, no HPV DNA was detected in the 57 bladder cancers by Southern blot hybridization and polymerase chain reaction.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings do not support an etiological role of HPV in the development of transitional cell bladder cancer.

[Sex behavior of patients attending a free, anonymous HIV screening center in Paris]

People's sexual behavior changes as they acquire knowledge od HIV infection. During a 10-week period (September-November 1994), we analysed the results of interviews conducted prior to free, anonymous tests in the Figuier HIV screening center (CDAG, Paris). Men accounted for 61% of the 1275 attendees, and 62% were aged between 20 and 29 years (both sexes). Consultants were homo/bisexuals in 26% cases and 23% had an HIV-infected partner. Male and female hetero-sexual represented respectively 35 and 38% of attendees, and 1.7% had an HIV-infected partner. Most of the subjects (76%) had had more than one sexual partner in the last 12 months. 72% of the homo/bisexuals of all ages stated that they used condoms systematically during sexual penetration, compared to 35% of the heterosexuals. In contrast, only 3.9% of homo/bisexual used condoms during oral intercourse. 12% of the subjects (21% of homo/bisexuals, and 8.5% of heterosexuals) stated that they had been treated for an STD during the previous year, and most were aged between 25 and 34 years. The most frequent stated STDs were anogenital papillomavirus and herpes virus infections, and chlamydial infections. 80% of the homo/bisexual considered they "too a risk" (oral intercourse), compared to 47% of heterosexuals. 10% of the subjects did not collect their result. In this study the seroprevalence of HIV was 1%, with the highest values in the 25-34 year age group and among homo/bisexuals (3%), and the lowest values among male and female heterosexuals (0.4% and 0.2%, respectively). Most of the subjects, on the basis of their stated sexual behavior, were aware of the risk of HIV infection, but the high frequency of STDs shows that prevention campaigns must be reinforced. Practician must offer advice on prevention and screening in order to reduce the frequency of infective and tumoral diseases due to sexually transmitted pathogens.

[Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis among men consulting in urology. Comparative study between cell culture and sperm PCR]

OBJECTIVE

Genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection can be difficult to diagnose, depending on the precise site of infection. Given the lack of major clinical signs and symptoms in many cases and the risk of male and female infertility. Chlamydia trachomatis is a public health problem. It can be difficult to detect this pathogen in sperm by means of cell culture, because of seminal fluid toxicity for cell lines. New techniques such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can be used to detect genomic DNA.

STUDY DESIGN

We studies 81 patients by applying the Amplicor CT PCR test to sperm, in comparison with cell culture on sperm and urethral samples.

RESULTS

The prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection was not significantly different (3.7% vs 5%) in the urethral cell culture and PCR methods, respectively (p > 0.05). In contrast, PCR was significantly more sensitive than sperm cell culture (5% vs 1.2%; p < 0.03). Moreover, we have not detected of genital chlamydiose among the infertile men.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that PCR detection of Chlamydia trachomatis can dispense with the need for urethral sampling and cell culture in selected male patients.

[Treatment of external ano-genital condylomata with 0.5% podophyllotoxin]

There are several possible protocols for the treatment of ano-genital condylomata. In this study, the efficacy of podophyllotoxin (0.5%) was assessed. The authors observed a recovery rate at 1 month of 81% in cases of condylomata of the balano-preputial and vulvar mucous membranes, a rate of 67% in condylomata of the keratinized tissues and 63% in those of the anal margin. Response to treatment is also dependent on the morphology of the lesion; regression was observed in 78% of cases of condylomata acuminata and in 57% of cases of endophytic condylomata. The side effects were local and consisted of erosion in 20% of cases. The efficacy of treatment was, amongst other things, analysed according to the recurrence of the infection at one month, which occurred in 16% of cases affecting mucous membranes. In the therapeutic arsenal for the treatment of condylomata, podophyllotoxin 0.5% is a first line treatment for condylomata acuminata of the genital mucous membranes.

CO2 laser for therapeutic circumcision in adults

The use of carbon dioxide laser for 38 posthetomies or therapeutic circumcisions in the treatment of phimosis, paraphimosis, balanitis of Zoon or a genital infection by the human papillomaviurs permits clean and hemostatic incisions. The clean and dry wound produced by the carbon dioxide beam offers several advantages. It reduces the surgeon's risk of contamination by the HIV virus and the subsequent sear is regular and without edema. In 57% of primary phimosis cases, the histological analysis showed a lichen sclerosus et atrophicus.

Penile intraepithelial neoplasia. Specific clinical features correlate with histologic and virologic findings

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the existence of the morphologic features specific for penile intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN), 1000 male sexual partners of women with genital condyloma or intraepithelial neoplasia were studied.

METHODS

Ninety-two patients who presented with lesions suggesting intraepithelial neoplasia (pigmented or leukoplastic papules, keratinized condylomata, or erythroplastic macules) underwent biopsy for histologic and virologic studies.

RESULTS

Histologic results showed penile intraepithelial neoplasia in 93% of the specimens. Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA from potentially oncogenic papillomaviruses was detected in 75% of patients with Grade I PIN, in 93% of patients with Grade II PIN, and in all patients with Grade III PIN: Uncircumcised and circumcised men showed the same rate (52% vs. 45%; odds ratio [OR] = 1.3; 95% confidence interval, 0.97-1.73) of HPV-associated lesions, whereas the rate of PIN was significantly higher in uncircumcised men than in circumcised men (10% vs. 6%; OR = 1.77; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-3.07). The mean age of patients with Grade III PIN was 7 years older then the mean age of patients with Grade I PIN, which suggests a step progression similar to that of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.

CONCLUSION

Morphology seems to be a specific-enough indicator of PIN. More data are needed to determine whether treatment of PIN may contribute to preventing cervical or penile cancer. If so, the morphologic criteria here described will be clinically useful.

[Genital bacterial infections associated with papillomavirus: value of screening and basis for treatment]

Genital bacterial and viral infections may be responsible of couple infertility and may be potentially oncogenic for genital lesions. Genital bacterial infection is associated with human papillomavirus infection in as much as 48% for men and 64% for women. The bacterias most frequently found are intracellular species (29%) and Gram-negative bacilli (14%). Treatment with specific antibiotics can reduce the frequency of infertility in both men and women. This treatment can also prevent therapeutic complications during treatment for papillomavirus infection.