Detection of human papilloma virus (HPV) DNA in genital biopsy specimens by in situ hybridization with digoxigenin-labeled probes.

The presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) nucleotide sequences in paraffin sections of genital biopsies was examined by in situ hybridization using non-isotopic, digoxigenin-labeled probes representing HPV types 11, 16 and 18. Digoxigenin-labeling of the probes was performed using DNA labeling and a commercially provided detection kit. Hybridization was performed under stringent conditions. The hybrids were detected by using anti-digoxigenin alkaline phosphatase conjugate and visualized with enzyme catalyzed color reaction. In situ hybridization with digoxigenin-labeled probes was a useful technique for identification of HPV infection. The results were compared with the results obtained with radiolabeled DNA probes. The sensitivity of the digoxigenin-labeled probes was equal to the sensitivity of the radiolabeled probes. The background with digoxigenin-labeled probes was very low. Using nonradioactive probes the localization of hybrids at the cellular level was better than 35S-labeled probes.