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Condyloma acuminatum, which is caused by low-risk human papillomavirus (lrHPV) infection, is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. Autophagy is thought to be associated with condyloma acuminatum, but how the autophagy process is regulated remains unclear. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of gene transcription that play a central role in many biological processes, including autophagy and viral infection. This study was designed to identify autophagy-related miRNAs and their targets in condyloma acuminatum and to validate their expression. The levels of the autophagy proteins microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) and P62/SQSTM1 (P62) were abnormally increased in the local lesion tissue of condyloma acuminatum patients compared with healthy controls. MiRNAs and their target mRNAs in condyloma acuminatum patients were analyzed by bioinformatics. Eighty-one differentially expressed miRNAs were identified, of which 56 were downregulated and 25 were upregulated. Two of the differentially expressed miRNAs associated with autophagy, miRNA-30a-5p and miRNA-514a-3p, were analyzed further, and their target genes were identified as autophagy-related protein (Atg) 5 and Atg12 and Atg3 and Atg12, respectively. The expression levels of miRNA-30a-5p and miRNA-514a-3p were decreased and those of Atg5, Atg12 and Atg3 were increased in condyloma acuminatum patients compared with healthy controls. In addition, miRNA-30a-5p and miRNA-514a-3p expression correlated with the proliferation index Ki-67 in condyloma acuminatum. Taken together, our results suggest that the changes in autophagy levels in patients with condyloma acuminatum may be related to the changes in miRNA-30a-5p and miRNA-514a-3p expression. This study provides a theoretical basis for identifying new mechanisms that link miRNAs, HPV infection and host autophagy in vivo., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Introduction: Anogenital area is a small compartment in the human body. Recognition of various dermatological conditions affecting this area in children is essential for any physician involved in pediatric examination and evaluation., Aim: To assess the nature, diagnoses, and gender differences of Anogenital lesions in pediatric patients presented to Royal Medical Services (RMS) general dermatology clinics, who were five year old and younger., Methods: The authors reviewed patients' medical records in the period between September 2015 and September 2018. The inclusion criteria were children of both genders who were five year old or younger and presented with papular lesions in the Anogenital area. Those patients visited the general dermatology clinics of The Royal Medical Services Hospitals from the Eastern and Southern regions of Jordan., Results: Over a period of 3 years, a total of 514 patients were five year old or younger presented with various Anogenital papular lesions were evaluated and treated in general dermatology clinics. 35% of the patients presented with Perianal Psuedoverrucous Papules and nodules, 21% presented with Anogenital warts, 16% presented with Molluscum Contageosum. Moreover, 10% were presented with Epidermal nevi, 6% presented with Pearly Penile Papules, 7% presented with Infantile Perineal Pyramidal Protrusion, 4% presented with Vulvar Vestibular Papillomatosis, 0.2% presented with Juvenile Xanthogranuloma, 0.2% presented with lymphangioma Circumscriptum, and 0.2% presented with median raphe cyst. In addition, gender differences were noticed among Genital Warts, Mollascum Contageosum, Pearly Penile Papules, and Vulvar Vestibular Papillomatosis., Conclusion: Anogenital papules in children have variable clinical presentations and can be caused by multiple number of infectious and non-infectious factors. The presence of such lesions can be a source of a major concern for parents, and might be mistakenly assumed as a result of sexual assaults. Proper recognition of these papules is of paramount importance for all physicians involved in children examination, to appropriately reassure parents and avoid unnecessary investigations and psychological distress., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose, (© 2020 Hiathem Abu-Alhaija, Elham Zayed, Bayan Abu-Alhaija.)

Objective: Investigate the role of Yes-associated protein (YAP1) in the development of condyloma acuminatum (CA)., Methods: We enrolled 30 male patients with CA and 20 healthy individuals as a control group, to compare the YAP1 expression in their tissue samples. Following this, we overexpressed and downregulated YAP1 expression in HaCaT cells to examine the migratory, proliferative, and apoptotic potential of HaCaT cells expressing different levels of YAP1., Results: In the CA patient tissue samples, an increase in YAP1 expression can be observed. In vitro,the overexpression of YAP1 was shown to promote the growth and migration of HaCaT cells and to activate epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway-associated proteins, while the downregulation of YAP1 inhibited cell growth and migration of these cells., Conclusions: YAP1 promotes the growth of keratinocytes in CA through the activation of the EGFR pathway, and it may mediate the development of human papilloma virus-associated diseases., (© 2019 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Genital warts (GWs) are most prevalent sexually transmitted infections, presenting especially among the sexually active young population of both sexes. Efficient cell-mediated immunity is needed for regression of GWs. To clarify the reactivity of cellular immunity among patients with GWs by means of measurements of their levels of serum interleukin (IL)-21 and IL-33, hence, to identify the possible role of IL-21 and IL-33 in GWs, this study aimed to evaluate serum levels of IL-21 and IL-33 among patients with GWs in comparison with the results of the controls. Levels of serum IL-21 and IL-33 were assayed utilizing commercially enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay kits in 45 patients with GWs and 45 healthy control subjects. Levels of serum IL-21 and IL-33 were significantly decreased among patients with GWs in comparison with the controls (p < .0001). There was a highly significant positive correlation between IL-21 and IL-33 (r = .73, p < .0001). Low levels of serum IL-21 and IL-33 could have a contributive role in development, persistence, severity, and recurrence of GWs which rely basically on the defectiveness of cell-mediated immunity. This could receive new light on nonconventional strategies for the prospective medical therapies of GWs by means of regulation of IL-21 and IL-33., (© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: Hyperthermia has proved successful in treating cutaneous human papillomavirus infectious diseases such as plantar wart and condyloma acuminata (CA). Moreover, this treatment provides improved therapeutic efficacy in these conditions as compared with conventional therapies., Objectives: To investigate the global proteome changes in CA in response to hyperthermia and achieve a better understanding of the mechanisms of hyperthermia therapy against HPV-infectious diseases., Methods: CA tissue was obtained from patients undergoing pathological examinations. Diagnosis was verified as based on results of both HE staining and HPV-DNA PCR assay. Hyperthermia was achieved with a 44 °C water bath. Differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified by iTRAQ labeling, SCX chromatography and LC-MS/MS assay. Validation of proteomic results was performed using real-time qPCR and western blot, while bioinformatic analysis of DEPs was accomplished by R 3.4.1, STRING and Cytoscape softwares., Results: In response to hyperthermia, a total of 102 DEPs were identified with 37 being upregulated and 65 downregulated. Among these DEPs, hyperthermia induced proteins involved with anti-viral processes such as OAS1, MX1, BANF1, CANX and AP1S1, whereas it inhibited proteins that participated in cellular metabolism, such as GALT, H6PD, EXOSC4 and EXOSC6; protein translation, such as RPS4Y1; as well as keratinocyte differentiation, such as KRT5, KRT27, KRT75, KRT76 and H2AFY2., Conclusions: Hyperthermia inhibited enzymes and molecules responsible for metabolism modulation and keratinocyte differentiation in CA tissue, whereas it promoted factors involved in anti-viral responses. Such effects may, in part, contribute to the efficacy of local hyperthermia therapy against HPV infection.

Genital warts affect 1% of the sexually active U.S. population and are commonly seen in primary care. Human papillomavirus types 6 and 11 are responsible for most genital warts. Warts vary from small, flat-topped papules to large, cauliflower-like lesions on the anogenital mucosa and surrounding skin. Diagnosis is clinical, but atypical lesions should be confirmed by histology. Treatments may be applied by patients, or by a clinician in the office. Patient-applied treatments include topical imiquimod, podofilox, and sinecatechins, whereas clinician-applied treatments include podophyllin, bichloroacetic acid, and trichloroacetic acid. Surgical treatments include excision, cryotherapy, and electrosurgery. The quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine is active against virus subtypes that cause genital warts in men and women. Additionally, male circumcision may be effective in decreasing the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus, human papillomavirus, and herpes simplex virus.

Background: Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is caused by human papilloma virus (HPV) and is the most common benign laryngeal neoplasm in children. Although RRP is rarely fatal, the disease requires prolonged, extensive medical and surgical treatment, leading to physical and emotional suffering in affected children and their families. Previous studies show HPV type 11 and type 6 in the lesion of Thai subjects with RRP. There is currently no published data available from Thailand that compares staging and severity with RRP genotypes., Objective: To identify the genotypes of human papilloma virus (HPV) isolated from patients with RRP and compare the staging and severity with human papilloma virus genotype., Material and Method: This prospective study was designed to assess population characteristics and follow the clinical course of RRP from January 2011 to January 2013. At each endoscopic evaluation or debridement, all surgeons to stage each patient's disease severity used a consistent scoring system. The samples were analyzed for HPV genotype., Results: Fifteen Thai children (7 female, 8 male) with respiratory papillomatosis were enrolled. Results showed that HPV type 6 and HPV type 11 caused RRP in 6 (40%) and 9 (60%) of the children, respectively. No co-infection between HPV type 6 and type 11 was found. Overall mean age at diagnosis of patients with RRP was 2.65 ± 0.82 years. The age at diagnosis was significantly different between both HPV genotypes (p = 0.008). The mean disease severity score for HPV type 6 infection was 13.83 ± 9.94, and that of HPV type 11 infection was 27.44 ± 8.24. The mean disease severity score of HPV type 11 infection was significantly higher than that of HPV type 6 infection (p = 0.013)., Conclusion: HPV type 6 and type 11 caused RRP in Thai children. RRP attributable to infection with HPV type 11 is more aggressive in disease severity and has a shorter life time than HPV type 6 at time of first diagnosis. RRP is an incurable disease that requires long-term medical management. Improved awareness and understanding amongst the Thai population should be promoted to limit the spread of the disease. In addition, further research on the treatment of RRP would benefit patients.

Genital warts are a common sexually transmitted infection that is particularly prevalent in young people. Although the warts are usually painless and rarely cause any long-term health problems, they can cause significant psychological distress and relationship problems for those affected. This article provides an overview of genital warts to enable nurses to guide people in the prevention and treatment of the infection.

Imiquimod 3.75% cream is a new formulation intended for daily self-application. The objective of this study was to characterize serum imiquimod pharmacokinetics under maximal use conditions. Adults with ≥8 warts or total wart area ≥100 mm² applied up to 1 packet of imiquimod 3.75% cream (250 mg cream, 9.375 mg imiquimod) once daily for 3 weeks. Blood was obtained prior to doses 1, 7, 14, and 21 and at selected time points after doses 1 and 21. Eighteen patients (13 men and 5 women) with a median wart count of 16 and total wart area of 60 mm² were enrolled. Day 21 mean (SD) serum C(max) was 0.49 (0.37) ng/mL, AUC₀₋₂₄ 6.80 (3.59) ng·h/mL, and t(1/2) 24.1 (12.4) hours. Steady state was achieved by day 7 with ~2-fold increase in C(max) and AUC after multiple dosing. Overall, C(max) was higher and t(max) shorter in women, with comparable AUC₀₋₂₄. Imiquimod metabolites were sporadically quantifiable. No patients discontinued for adverse events; 1 interrupted dosing for an application site ulcer. Treatment-related adverse events occurred in 16.7% of the patients. In conclusion, serum imiquimod concentrations were low after daily self-application to external anogenital warts of up to 1 packet of imiquimod 3.75% cream for 21 days.

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is mostly associated with cervical cancer (CC). However, it can cause other illnesses as well, all of which impact on people's wellbeing and consume healthcare resources. Measures for prevention or early detection of these conditions differ in their effectiveness and cost. An informative evaluation of the projected benefit of these measures depends on understanding the current unmet need, not only limited to CC., Objective: To evaluate the burden of HPV-related conditions in Israel, including CC, cervical precancerous lesions and genital warts., Methods: A retrospective database analysis was conducted for the second largest health management organization (HMO) in Israel, covering approximately 1.8 million people. Records were drawn following a search for key words indicative of related diagnoses, lab results, medications, or procedures for the time period of 2006-2008. Prevalence, incidence and resource utilization were analysed. Findings were extrapolated to the whole Israeli population using age and gender incidence rates., Results: Incidence of CC was found to be 5 per 100,000 females. Incidences of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grades 1, 2 and 3 were 74, 27 and 36 per 100,000 females, respectively. Incidence of genital warts was 239 and 185 per 100,000 for men and women, respectively. The overall annual economic burden was calculated to be $US48,838,058 (year 2010 values)., Conclusions: HPV poses a significant burden in terms of health (clinical and quality of life) and in monetary terms, even for conditions that are sometimes regarded as benign, such as CIN1 or genital warts. Current findings should be used for proper evaluation of measures to reduce HPV-related morbidity and mortality, such as regular screening and vaccination.

Introduction: The health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) instruments are an important tool for the evaluation of medical outcomes. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) influence the patients' life. We aimed to evaluate the HRQoL in patients with anogenital warts at the time of and 1 month after the diagnosis., Materials and Methods: We used the short-form (SF)-36 questionnaire to compare the HRQoL of 91 patients with anogenital warts to 53 control subjects with the same socioeconomic characteristics., Results: There was no statistical difference in the overall HRQoL measurement between the anogenital wart patients and controls. However, there was an improvement in the scales of vitality (65.22 ± 15.70 vs. 69.04 ± 14.11, respectively; p < 0.05) and mental health (65.00 ± 20.09 vs. 69.43 ± 18.08, respectively; p < 0.05) in anogenital warts patients between the time of diagnosis and 1 month later. Furthermore, there was a significant deterioration in the scale of social functioning (73.47 ± 22.18 vs. 72.89 ± 19.28, respectively; p < 0.05). The small sample size is a limitation of our study., Conclusions: HRQoL does not appear to be influenced in anogenital wart patients, as measured by the generic instrument SF-36. It is therefore important to develop specific instruments for the measurement of HRQoL in this group of patients.

Objective: Worldwide, genital warts, caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common, sexually transmitted disease. The overall disease management strategy for genital warts should be determined not only by the prevalence, but also by the impact of the disease on individuals and society. The purpose of this study was therefore to investigate the epidemiological, economic and quality of life (QoL) burden of genital warts., Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted on the epidemiology, QoL and management cost of genital warts in the USA, UK and France, based on studies published between 1998 and 2008. Due to scarcity of data, all studies reporting standardized QoL assessments among patients with genital warts were utilized, regardless of country of origin. Original studies were preferred over information cited in review articles., Results: Data from three countries suggest that genital warts occur in 0.06-0.23% of the population each year. Despite the fact that spontaneous remissions occur frequently (up to 40%), patients often prefer immediate treatment. While treatment can be costly in absolute terms (€163-510 per treatment episode), these costs are lower compared with other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Modest reductions in QoL have been noted, which may be mitigated through adequate patient education and support., Conclusions: While genital warts are an inconvenience for many patients, the occurrence may be lower than often quoted in the literature, and the economic burden on society is less than for other prominent STIs. However, concerted efforts to establish improved data collection and surveillance systems are needed in order to accurately define the burden of genital warts on individuals and society., (Copyright © 2011 The Royal Society for Public Health. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Although cutaneous warts are one of the most common skin conditions affecting children, their management can be challenging, especially in complex cases and even more so during a single emergency department encounter. Anogenital warts require particular attention because of their possible but nonspecific association with sexual abuse. This review will focus on cutaneous warts and anogenital warts, with a discussion of their recognition and treatment, especially in the emergency department. The medicolegal implications of anogenital warts in children are also reviewed.

Unlabelled: Two new viral vaccines have recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is intended to reduce infection with the most common HPV types that cause anogenital disease, including cervical cancer and genital warts. Herpes zoster (HZ) vaccine is intended to prevent shingles and its complications. The use of these two vaccines will immediately begin to impact dermatologic practice throughout the world and will reduce the healthcare burden associated with the diseases caused by the two viruses. The following review summarizes the relevant pathophysiology and epidemiology of genital warts, cervical neoplasia, and herpes zoster and describes the recent trials that have demonstrated efficacy and safety of the HPV and HZ vaccines., Learning Objectives: Following the completion of this learning activity, the participant will be able to describe the mechanisms of HPV and varicella zoster virus infection as well as pathogenesis, identify key aspects of the immune system involved in clearing the infection, and prescribe HPV and HZ vaccines for prevention of disease.

Aim: To investigate differential gene expression of Langerhans cell-related chemokines in condyloma acuminatum (CA) epidermis and normal epidermis., Methods: Gene expression of Langerhans cell-related chemokines in three CA epidermal lesions and in three normal controls was screened using Affymetrix oligonucleotide microarrays HG-U 133A 2.0, and part of the above differential gene expression was confirmed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR., Results: With microarrays, seven down-regulated genes of Langerhans cell-related chemokine were detected in three CA epidermal lesions as compared with three normal controls, and the down-regulation of CXCR4 and CCL20 was verified by semi-quantitative RT-PCR., Conclusion: Several Langerhans cell-related chemokine genes are found down-regulated in CA epidermis as compared with normal epidermis, and the down-regulation of these genes may contribute to the decreased number and the homing disturbance of LC in CA epidermis.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in adolescents. Such infection is associated with substantial health risks and is unpredictable in its resolution. Genital warts are the most common clinical manifestations of genital HPV infections. Most genital warts are caused by low risk HPV types (notably HPV-6 and -11). The majority of genital HPV infections are latent or subclinical. Although the outcome of a genital HPV infection is variable, the infection is usually transient and complete resolution is common. However, persistent infections with high-risk HPV types (notably HPV-16 and -18) are associated with the development of cervical intraepithelial dysplasia (CIN), which may progress to cervical cancer. Genital warts, generally diagnosed in the clinic, can be treated with imiquimod, podofilox, podophyllin, liquid nitrogen, bichloroacetic or trichloroacetic acid, or surgery. Cervical cytology screening is an ideal screening test for subclinical HPV infection with resultant CIN. Annual cervical cytology screening should begin approximately 3 years after initiation of sexual intercourse but no later than age 21 years. Because of the high rate of regression of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) in adolescents, the cytologic study should be repeated within 6 to 12 months. Colposcopy should be reserved for persistent LSIL. Patients with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) should be referred for colposcopy and biopsy. Confirmed HSIL should be treated with cryotherapy, laser therapy, or loop electrosurgical excisional procedure. The use of therapeutic vaccines is still experimental. HPV infection can be prevented, to a certain extent, by delaying the initiation of sexual activity, limiting the number of sexual partners, and using latex condoms. Several viruslike particle candidate vaccines are under development for the prevention of HPV. These vaccines have been proven safe, well tolerated, highly immunogenic, and highly efficacious. Such vaccines are urgently needed and ultimately may be an important preventive measure.

Background: To determine the potential value of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines, information concerning the incidence and duration of clinically important lesions is needed., Methods: A total of 603 female university students were followed for a mean duration of 38.8 months. Triannual gynecologic examinations included cervical and vulvovaginal specimen collection for Pap and HPV DNA testing. Women with cytologic evidence of a high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) were referred for colposcopically directed biopsy., Results: Among women with incident HPV infection, the 36-month cumulative incidence of cervical SILs found by cytologic testing (47.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 38.9%-56.4%) was higher than that of vaginal SILs (28.8%; 95% CI, 21.3%-38.2%). The median time to clearance of cervical and vaginal SILs was 5.5 and 4.7 months, respectively. Among women with incident HPV-16 or HPV-18 infection, the 36-month cumulative incidence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade 2 was 20.0% (95% CI, 10.8%-35.1%), and that of CIN grade 3 was 6.7% (95% CI, 2.5%-17.0%). The 36-month cumulative incidence of clinically ascertained genital warts among women with incident HPV-6 or HPV-11 infection was 64.2% (95% CI, 50.7%-77.4%)., Conclusions: Intraepithelial lesions are common early events among women with incident HPV infection, and the interval between incident HPV-16 or HPV-18 infection and biopsy-confirmed CIN grade 2-3 appears to be relatively short.

The diagnosis and treatment of vaginal and sexually transmitted infections constitute an important part of the activity of the gynaecologist and of the general practitioner. In this review article, we will describe various clinical entities, including bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal Candidiasis, trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, syphilis, genital herpes, Chlamydial infection, and pelvic inflammatory disease. The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome will not be described here.

Efficacy of chemical and/or surgical treatment for penile and anal condylomata acuminata was investigated in two retrospective studies of hetero- and homosexual men. Variation in clinical features and symptomatology as well as the reliability of diagnostic criteria by different methods for acetowhite penile lesions was also studied. Furthermore, the antibody response in the course of penile wart disease as well as in asymptomatic genitoanal papillomavirus infection (GPVI) was analysed. In the first retrospective study, as much as 23% of patients still had condylomas after one year of chemical and/or surgical treatment. On the other hand, 38% were cured after a single treatment session. In the group mainly with anal warts, concurrent penile warts were significantly more common among heterosexual men compared to homosexual men (p < 0.001), while intra-anal wart growth was more common among the homosexual males (p < 0.001). When comparing diagnostic methods for subclinical penile HPV infection, conventional histopathology appeared to be the most valuable diagnostic aid to penoscopy, while the additional use of Southern blot, in situ hybridisation and PCR assays for HPV DNA detection did not increase the predictive value of GPVI. We also describe a new distinct clinical entity, HPV-associated balanoposthitis, comprising a wide range of often long-lasting symptoms, such as itching, burning and dyspareunia. A significant increase in the IgG antibody response against defined epitopes in the L1 and L2 capsid proteins of HPV 6, was found among men with previous condylomata. By following a cohort of STD clinic patients with multiple brush samples from the genitoanal region as well as serum samples taken at several consecutive clinical visits, we identified 16 patients who had seroconverted to HPV seropositivity during follow-up. Antibody responses to several HPV-derived peptide and protein antigens were induced at the same time. Seroconversions were usually seen concomitantly with HPV acquisition or at the visit after HPV DNA was first detected. The HPV antibody response was frequently transient and declined or disappeared after clearance of infection. The antibody responses were induced by several different HPV types, indicating limited type-specificity. The most type-restricted response was against HPV 16 capsids, where seroconversions to continuous seropositivity were induced by infection with HPV 16.

Background and Objectives: Biological behavior of male genital human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is incompletely understood, and the clinical value of treatment is obscure., Goal of This Study: To evaluate the clinical course and possible prognostic factors of genital HPV infections in men., Study Design: A total of 318 consecutive high-risk men for HPV infection (94.3% partners of HPV-infected women) were examined using peniscopy, histology, cytology, and in situ hybridization (ISH). Only the men with exophytic warts or clinical symptoms were treated, if they insisted on it (n = 55). The others with (n = 150) or without (n = 113) HPV suggestive lesions were followed-up only at 6-month intervals. Survival analysis was used to calculate the cure rates in different subgroups of the males, categorized according to the potential prognostic factors (i.e., age, treatment, lesion morphology, HPV type, female findings, and sexual habits)., Results: The calculated median cure time of the HPV-positive men was 15.2 months (95% confidence interval 12.2-21.3 months) and it did not differ significantly in the male groups treated or only followed-up (P = 0.56). In univariate survival analysis, only the ISH-positivity (P = 0.002) and the anamnestic use of condom (P = 0.05) were significant prognostic factors. The condom use also had a protective effect (P = 0.04) against the appearance of new HPV-suggestive lesions in initially healthy males. Although the treatment did not significantly affect the overall cure rate, the number of lesions decreased, however, after therapy (i.e., fewer widespread infections), and the appearance of new HPV lesions seemed to be less frequent in the treated than in nontreated males., Conclusions: The low success rate of therapy and the obviously benign clinical course of all subclinical HPV lesions of the male genitalia justify the follow-up of all lesions with HPV-suspicious morphology only. On the other hand, treatment seems to exert a favorable effect on clinical HPV infections, new exophytic warts and penile intraepithelial lesions (PIN) lesions being rare in adequately treated males.

Between February, 1988, and January, 1991, 222 women with histologically proven cervical wart virus infection without dysplasia were randomized to be managed by 1 of 4 protocols. Group 1 acted as control, Group 2 were asked to use condoms for 6 months, Group 3 underwent local ablative therapy and Group 4 were asked to use condoms after ablative therapy. Assessment at 2 and 3 years of follow-up showed no statistically significant superiority for treatment over observation. Defaulters from follow-up were over 50% by the completion of the study.

The clinical course of condylomas of the cervix, and more generally of all cervical dysplasias whether associated with koilocytosis or not, remains unpredictable. Based on a series of earlier publications, we undertook a routine typing for human papillomaviruses in intraepithelial malpighian lesions of the cervix. We examined the real usefulness of such typing to determine prognosis of the lesions and correct clinical management. We determined the correlations between human papillomaviruses, as detected by the in situ hybridization method, with the histological grade of 125 cervical lesions (in 106 patients) and the clinical course (mean follow-up = 24 months) in 56% of them. Viruses 16/18 and/or 31/33/55, considered to be potential oncogenes, predominated, whatever the grade, in in situ hybridization positive intraepithelial malpighian lesions (57 out of 59 cases; 97%). In the follow-up cases, there was no difference in the clinical course of the lesions in terms of grade (simple condyloma mild or moderate dysplasia) based on the hybridization results (detection and typing). These findings suggest that routine viral typing cannot be proposed to determine the therapeutic attitude (abstention, destruction) for the management of intraepithelial lesions of the cervix.

Symptoms and psychological reactions of 82 patients with anogenital warts were recorded in a descriptive study at the beginning and after treatment. A majority of the patients had substantial and longstanding symptoms like local pain, tenderness, and discharge. Anxieties about cancer and cure were common. With a mood adjective checklist, the patients were compared to 58 referents, matched for background variables. There were significant differences in experiences of pleasantness, activation, and social orientation, which suggest a conspicuous emotional effect of the disease. The clinical picture and pathology of anogenital warts are well known, but the profound impact, hitherto unknown, of the disease on women's physical and psychological well-being should also be taken into account when designing health care and prevention.

The incidence of sexually transmitted diseases continues to rise across the country. Because many cases are subclinical and asymptomatic, chlamydial, herpes simplex virus, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infections continue to spread at an alarming rate. These infections can lead to serious sequelae, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and cervical dysplasia or carcinoma, so improved disease-control strategies are needed. Preventive efforts should include use of the latest diagnostic and therapeutic methods to uncover and eradicate subclinical chlamydial and HPV infections. In addition, notification of sexual partners should be encouraged. Education about prevention of sexually transmitted diseases should be incorporated into basic primary medical care for all sexually active patients.

From 1950 through 1978, condyloma acuminatum was diagnosed in 746 residents of Rochester, Minn (246 male and 500 female subjects). With the number of cases increasing almost every year until 1975, the mean annual incidence rate reached 106.5 per 100,000 population in the period 1975 through 1978, apparently the highest reported to date. Among age groups, the rate was highest in the 20- through 24-year-old group. Female patients contracted the infection at a higher rate and at a younger age than male patients. Anal condyloma occurred in one third of the male subjects studied and recurrent condyloma in 30% of the male subjects. More female than male patients had lesions at multiple locations.

Pregnancy seems to be associated with a high rate of HPV infections. Lesions of the external genital tract may interfere with vaginal delivery, be the source of HPV transmission to the fetus during delivery and induce juvenile laryngeal papillomatosis or anogenital condylomata. 80% trichloracetic acid or laser therapy may be used successfully in the vagina, the vulva and the anus at the third term of pregnancy. On the cervix, cytology and colposcopy permit the diagnosis of intra-epithelial lesions, condyloma or CIN; treatment may be delayed after delivery once the cervix has recovered its pregestational anatomy.

Human papillomavirus is a sexually transmitted virus that has been associated with intraepithelial neoplasia. The incidence and prevalence of the disease has risen dramatically, to epidemic proportions, within the last two decades. Risk factors for HPV are similar to those for intraepithelial neoplasia: early onset of sexual activity, multiple sexual partners, high-risk sexual practices, and poor hygiene. Health care workers need to screen all patients for HPV through the use of a comprehensive history, including sexual history, a thorough physical examination, and appropriate laboratory methods. Pregnant women must be thoroughly screened because they are at increased risk for HPV, plus there has been an association between genital warts at the time of delivery and subsequent laryngeal papillomas in their infants. Treatment is aimed at the elimination of the lesions. Although in some cases lesions spontaneously resolve without treatment, in other cases there is a significant incidence of recurrence, even with treatment. Cell-mediated immunity seems to play a role in recurrence and regression as well as transformation to atypical cells. Transformation of HPV to neoplasia also seems to be related to co-factors that act synergistically in the oncogenic process. Public education, identification of high risk groups, and prevention are mandatory if the spread of HPV is to be contained. Equally essential is to remain cognizant of the fact that HPV is an STD with potentially carcinogenic properties; thus, screening and treatment of sexual partners are mandatory!

The clinical diagnosis, etiology and predisposing factors of these common viral skin diseases are discussed with special emphasis on new therapeutic approaches.