Detection of human papillomavirus DNA in genital condylomata in women and their male partners by using in situ hybridization with digoxygenin labeled probes.

Twelve couples (12 women and their male partners) presenting genital warts were investigated in order to evaluate the sexual transmission of human papillomavirus (HPV) in mutual partners and the localization of HPV DNA. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded biopsy samples of 12 vulvar condylomata, and 12 penile condylomata from male partners were analyzed for the presence of HPV DNA-6, -11, and 16/18 by using in situ hybridization with digoxygenin labeled DNA probes. HPV DNA was identified in 9 women (75%) and in 9 men (75%). HPV-6 was frequently identified, being revealed in 42% of the vulvar specimens, in 67% of the cervical specimens and 58% of the penile specimens. Seven of 9 (77%) positive couples shared the same HPV DNA, and 2 couples harbored different HPV DNA types between the partners. The signal intensity of the HPV DNA was generally strong in superficial cell layers, weak in parabasal or basal cell layers. No malignant lesions resulted from the condyloma acuminatum caused by HPV-6 or -11. There were only mild dysplasia in the both sexes.