SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess physicians’ knowledge about human papillomavirus infection and its prevention. METHODS: Descriptive web-based survey with 15 objective questions targeted to physicians affiliated with the Regional Council of Medicine from Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. Participants were invited by e-mail and the Council social networks, between January and December 2019. RESULTS: The study sample had 623 participants, with a median age of 45 years, predominantly women (63%). The most frequent specialties were Obstetrics and Gynecology (21.1%), Pediatrics (11.2%), and Internists (10.5%). Concerning human papillomavirus knowledge, 27.9% of the participants were able to identify accurately all possible forms of transmission, and none of them could recognize all the risk factors of infection. Nevertheless, 95% recognized that asymptomatic infection could occur in both sexes. Regarding knowledge about clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and screening, only 46.5% were able to identify all human papillomavirus-related cancers, 42.6% were aware of the periodicity of Pap smears, and 39.4% indicated that serological test was not adequate for diagnosis. The recommended age group for human papillomavirus vaccination was recognized by 94% of the participants, as well as the need for a Pap smear and the use of condoms, even after vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: There is good knowledge about prevention and screening for human papillomavirus infections; many gaps were identified regarding transmission, risk factors, and associated diseases among physicians in Rio de Janeiro state.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: O papilomavírus humano (HPV) é o vírus sexualmente transmissível mais prevalente no mundo, estando a infecção por este agente associada a um aumento do risco do câncer de colo uterino. A abordagem mais eficaz para o controle desse tipo de câncer continua sendo a triagem por meio do exame preventivo (Papanicolaou). Este estudo analisa o conhecimento de estudantes universitárias de cursos da área da saúde, bem como cursos de graduação de outras áreas do conhecimento com relação a questões importantes sobre o HPV. MÉTODO: Quatrocentas e setenta e três estudantes universitárias responderam a um questionário que avaliava os conhecimentos sobre a infecção pelo HPV, o câncer de colo do útero e o exame preventivo. Após análise descritiva, foi feita a análise multivariada por regressão logística para identificação dos fatores associados à informação sobre o HPV/câncer de colo do útero. RESULTADOS: O conhecimento das universitárias foi maior para questões simples relacionadas ao HPV e ao exame preventivo, mas foi menor para as correlações do HPV com verrugas genitais e com o câncer de colo do útero. Ser aluna da área da saúde e ter alta renda foram fatores associados ao maior conhecimento. Somente uma minoria das participantes reconheceu todas as situações que aumentavam o risco de infecção pelo HPV apresentadas no questionário. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados evidenciam a necessidade de realização de campanhas educativas sobre a infecção pelo HPV, do seu potencial como agente de câncer do colo uterino e as formas de prevenção disponíveis.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most prevalent sexually transmitted virus in the world and is associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer. The most effective approach to cervical cancer control continues to be screening through the preventive Papanicolaou test (Pap test). This study analyzes the knowledge of university students of health science programs as well as undergraduate courses in other areas of knowledge on important questions regarding HPV. METHOD: Four hundred and seventy-three university students completed a questionnaire assessing their overall knowledge regarding HPV infection, cervical cancer, and the Pap test. A descriptive analysis is presented, and multivariate analysis using logistic regression identified factors associated with HPV/cervical cancer information. RESULTS: Knowledge was higher for simple HPV-related and Pap test questions but was lower for HPV interrelations with genital warts and cervical cancer. Being from the health science fields and having high income were factors associated with greater knowledge. Only the minority of the participants recognized all the situations that increased the risk of virus infection presented in the questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the need for educational campaigns regarding HPV infection, its potential as a cervical cancer agent and the forms of prevention available.

BACKGROUND Epigenetic modifications in host cells, like p16 ink4a methylation, have been considered as putative complementary mechanisms for cancer development. Because only a small proportion of infected women develop cervical cancer, other factors might be involved in carcinogenesis, either independently or in association with high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infections, including epigenetic factors. OBJECTIVES We hypothesised that p16 ink4a methylation might have a role in cancer development driven by HPV16, mainly in the presence of intact E1/E2 genes. Thus, our objectives were to assess the status of p16 ink4a methylation and the HPV16 E1/E2 integrity in samples in different stages of cervical diseases. METHODS Presence of HPV16 was determined by E6 type-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Methylation status of the p16 ink4a promoter was assessed by methylation-specific PCR in 87 cervical specimens comprising 29 low-grade (LSIL), 41 high-grade (HSIL) lesions, and 17 cervical cancers (CC). Characterisation of E1 and E2 disruption (as an indirect indicator of the presence of episomal viral DNA) was performed by PCR amplifications. FINDINGS We observed a significantly increased trend (nptrend = 0.0320) in the proportion of methylated p16 ink4a in cervical samples during cancer development. Concomitant E1 and E2 disruptions were the most frequent pattern found in all groups: CC (76%), HSIL (54%), and LSIL (73%). No statistically significant differences between p16 ink4a methylation and E1/E2 integrity, in histological groups, was observed. MAIN CONCLUSIONS There was an increase in methylation of the p16 ink4a promoter from pre-neoplastic lesions to cancer. Additionally, a high frequency of E1/E2 disruptions in LSIL/HSIL suggested that viral DNA integration was an early event in cervical disease. Moreover, the methylation status was apparently independent of HPV16 integrity.

SUMMARY The aim of this study was to investigate the association of EBV and HPV with gingivitis and/or periodontitis according to the immunologic status. To this end, 74 oral biopsies from transplanted and non-transplanted individuals with the abovementioned oral manifestations were submitted to a screening by PCR for both viruses. According to the results, EBV was strongly associated with gingivitis and/or periodontitis in transplanted individuals (p = 0.011) but not HPV (p = 0.766). EBV-HPV co-detections did not enhance the presence of tissue injury as well. Although a causal relationship was not investigated in this study, the higher frequency of these two oncoviruses in lesion tissues must be investigated in follow-up studies, especially among immunocompromised individuals.

ABSTRACTPurpose:The aim of this study was to identify possible protein biomarkers and/or candidates for therapeutic targets in tissues of patients with SCCP, infected by HPV, applying one dimensional electrophoresis (1DE), followed by direct mass spectrometry (MS) analysis.Materials and Methods:Tissues from 10 HPV positive patients with SCCP and from 10 patients with HPV negative non-tumorous penile foreskins were analyzed applying 1D electrophoresis, followed by analysis with direct mass spectrometry (MS).Results:Sixty-three different proteins were identified in the first group and 50 in the second group. Recognition was possible for 28 proteins exclusively detected in Group 1 and 21 proteins presented only in Group 2.Conclusion:Some proteins in the first group are directly involved in the development of other types of cancer, and therefore, suitable for analysis. Complement C3 protein is a strong candidate for evaluating SCCP patients.

RESUMO É reconhecido que infecções por papilomavírus humanos de alto risco (HPV) são causa necessária, mas não suficiente para o desenvolvimento do câncer cervical. Recentemente, estudos de silenciamento gênico apontaram que a hipermetilação do gene p16INK4A é importante co-fator para a carcinogênese cervical, eliminando a função supressora de tumor da proteína p16 em lesões malignas. Entretanto poucos estudos avaliaram a relação da metilação com a progressão da doença. Nosso objetivo foi investigar o padrão de metilação do gene P16INK4A em diferentes graus de lesão cervical e sua associação com a infecção por diferentes tipos de HPV. Nosso estudo de corte transversal avaliou 141 amostras cervicais de pacientes atendidas no Hospital Moncorvo Filho, Rio de Janeiro. A detecção e tipagem do HPV foi realizada pela técnica de reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR), e a metilação do gene P16INK4A pela PCR-metilação específica em formato nested (MSP). A frequência de HPV foi de 62,4% (88/141). O tipo mais prevalente foi o HPV16 (37%), seguido pelo HPV18 (16,3%) e HPV33/45 (15,2%). Curva ascendente foi observada quanto ao padrão de metilação do gene P16INK4A e o grau da lesão: a metilação foi identificada em somente 10,7% das amostras de epitélio normal, em 22,9% das lesões de baixo grau, em 57,1% das lesões de alto grau e em 93,1% dos carcinomas (p < 0,0001). Foram feitas análises univariada e multivariada a fim de correlacionar metilação, idade, exposição ao tabaco, infecção e genótipo de HPV. Foi encontrada correlação da metilação com a infecção pelo HPV (p < 0,0001), genótipos de alto risco (p = 0,01), lesões de alto grau (p < 0,0007) e câncer (p < 0,0001). Uma vez que infecções pelo HPV e alterações epigenéticas mostraram forte associação estatística com o carcinoma cervical, sugerimos que estes padrões de metilação possam ser avaliados como potenciais biomarcadores, combinados à detecção dos HPV oncogênicos para identificação de pacientes em risco de câncer.

SUMMARY High-risk human papillomavirus (hr-HPV) infection is necessary but not sufficient for cervical cancer development. Recently, P16INK4A gene silencing through hypermethylation has been proposed as an important cofactor in cervical carcinogenesis due to its tumor suppressor function. We aimed to investigate P16INK4A methylation status in normal and neoplastic epithelia and evaluate an association with HPV infection and genotype. This cross-sectional study was performed with 141 cervical samples from patients attending Hospital Moncorvo Filho, Rio de Janeiro. HPV detection and genotyping were performed through PCR and P16INK4A methylation by nested-methylation specific PCR (MSP). HPV frequency was 62.4% (88/141). The most common HPV were HPV16 (37%), HPV18 (16.3%) and HPV33/45(15.2%). An upward trend was observed concerning P16INK4A methylation and lesion degree: normal epithelia (10.7%), low grade lesions (22.9%), high grade (57.1%) and carcinoma (93.1%) (p < 0.0001). A multivariate analysis was performed to evaluate an association between methylation, age, tobacco exposure, HPV infection and genotyping. A correlation was found concerning methylation with HPV infection (p < 0.0001), hr-HPV (p = 0.01), HSIL (p < 0.0007) and malignant lesions (p < 0.0001). Since viral infection and epigenetic alterations are related to cervical carcinoma, we suggest that P16INK4A methylation profile maybe thoroughly investigated as a biomarker to identify patients at risk of cancer.

Penile cancer is a potentially mutilating disease. Although its occurrence is relatively rare worldwide, penile cancer rates can be high in developing countries. A few studies have been conducted on the involvement of human papillomavirus (HPV) in penile carcinoma, which have found HPV present in 30-70% of penile malignant lesions, with a higher prevalence of HPV 16 and 18. It has been assumed that cofactors, such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infections, may play a role in the progression of penile neoplasia. The aim of this study was to determine HPV and EBV prevalence in 135 penile malignant lesions from Brazilian men through the use of MY09/11 polymerase chain reaction (PCR), type-specific PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. HPV prevalence among the men tested was 60.7%. Of the men who tested positive, 27 presented with HPV 16 (29.7%), five with HPV 18 (5.5%), 21 with HPV 45 (23.1%) and nine with HPV 6 (9.9%). Seven mixed infections were detected (9.2%), while 11 cases remained untyped (13.4%). Regarding EBV positivity, 46.7% of the samples contained EBV DNA with EBV-1 as the most prevalent type (74.6%). More than 23% of the men were co-infected with both HPV and EBV, while 35% presented exclusively with HPV DNA and 20% presented only with EBV DNA. Penile carcinoma aetiology has not been fully elucidated and the role of HPV and EBV infections individually or synergistically is still controversial. Hence, more studies are needed to determine their possible role in carcinogenesis.

INTRODUÇÃO: O exantema súbito é uma doença comum durante a infância e pode ser causada pela infecção por herpesvirus humano tipo 6B (HHV-6B). No entanto, a erupção cutânea característica dessa doença, é frequentemente confundida com outras viroses como sarampo ou rubéola. MÉTODOS: Foi utilizada a técnica de reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) no formato nested multiplex para o diagnóstico de infecção primária por HHV-6B, diferenciação entre as infecções causadas pelo HHV-6A e comparação com testes de avidez de anticorpos. As amostras foram separadas em grupo caso e grupo controle, de acordo com os resultados do teste de imunofluorescência indireta (IFA). RESULTADOS: Nas amostras de saliva analisadas, o DNA do HHV-6A foi detectado em 3,2% no grupo caso e em 2,6% das amostras do grupo controle. Em relação ao HHV-6B, o DNA viral foi observado em 4,8% no grupo caso e em 1,3% no grupo controle. Após a realização da PCR nas amostras de soro, o DNA do HHV-6A foi detectado em 1,7% no grupo caso e em 1,2% no grupo controle, enquanto o DNA do HHV-6B não foi detectado. A sensibilidade e a especificidade da técnica de PCR variaram de 0% a 4,8% e de 97,5% a 100%, respectivamente, quando comparado com a IFA. CONCLUSÕES: A técnica de PCR não se mostrou adequada para o diagnóstico de infecção primária pelo HHV-6B em crianças com doença exantemática e não deve substituir a IFA.

INTRODUCTION: Exanthem subitum is a classical rash disease of early childhood caused by human herpesvirus 6B (HHV-6B). However, the rash is frequently misdiagnosed as that of either measles or rubella. METHODS: In this study, a nested multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to diagnose HHV-6B primary infection, differentiate it from infections caused by HHV-6A and compare it to antibody avidity tests. The samples were separated into case group and control group according to the results of the indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) technique. RESULTS: From the saliva samples analyzed, HHV-6A DNA was detected in 3.2% of the case group and in 2.6% of the control group. Regarding HHV-6B, PCR detected viral DNA in 4.8% of the case group and in 1.3% of the control group. Among the serum samples studied, a frequency of 1.7% was determined for HHV-6A in the case group and 1.2% in the control group. PCR did not detect HHV-6B DNA in serum samples. The sensitivity and specificity of the PCR technique ranged from 0% to 4.8% and 97.5% to 100%, respectively, compared to IFA. CONCLUSIONS: The PCR technique was not suitable for diagnosing primary infection by HHV-6B in children with exanthematic disease and should not substitute the IFA.

In this study, we assessed the prevalence of human herpesvirus-7 (HHV-7) in 141 serum samples from children less than four years of age with exanthematic disease. All samples were negative for measles, rubella, dengue fever and parvovirus B19 infection. Testing for the presence of human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6)-specific high avidity IgG antibodies by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) revealed two main groups: one composed of 57 patients with recent primary HHV-6 infection and another group of 68 patients showing signs of past HHV-6 infection. Another 16 samples had indeterminate primary HHV-6 infection, by both IgG IFA and IgM IFA. Serum samples were subjected to a nested polymerase chain reaction to detect the presence of HHV-7 DNA. Among patients with a recent primary HHV-6 infection, HHV-7 DNA was present in 1.7% of individuals; however, 5.8% of individuals tested positive for HHV-7 DNA in the group with past primary HHV-6 infection. Among the 16 samples with indeterminate diagnosis, 25% (4/16) had HHV-7 DNA (p < 0.002). We hypothesise that HHV-7 might be the agent that causes exanthema. However, a relationship between clinical manifestations and the detection of virus DNA does not always exist. Therefore, a careful interpretation is necessary to diagnose a primary infection or a virus-associated disease. In conclusion, we detected HHV-7 DNA in young children from the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

In this study, we aimed to evaluate virus shedding in the saliva of healthy adults from the metropolitan region of the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in order to verify the prevalence of both human herpesviruses 6 and 7 (HHV-6, HHV-7). The studied group comprised 182 healthy individuals at Pedro Ernesto University Hospital, who were being seen for annual odontologic revisions. Saliva specimens were subjected to a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect the presence of HHV-6A, HHV-6B and HHV-7. The total Roseolovirus DNA prevalence was 22.4%. The PCR detected a HHV-6 prevalence of 9.8%, with HHV-6A detected in 7.1% of the samples and HHV-6B in 2.7%. HHV-7 DNA was revealed in 12.6% of the studied cases. Multiple infections caused by HHV-6A and 7 were found in 2.1% of the samples. No statistical differences were observed regarding age, but for HHV-7 infection, an upward trend was observed in female patients. Compared to studies from other countries, low prevalence rates of herpesvirus DNA were detected in saliva from the healthy individuals in our sample. PCR methodology thus proved to be a useful tool for Roseolovirus detection and it is important to consider possible geographic and populations differences that could explain the comparatively low prevalence rates described here.

INTRODUÇÃO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar a infecção por HPV em uma população randômica de mulheres jovens no estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. MÉTODOS: Este estudo incluiu amostras cervicais de 241 jovens. A detecção de papilomavírus humanos foi realizada pela reação da cadeia da polimerase e a tipificação deste vírus determinada pelo polimorfismo do comprimento do fragmento de restrição. Dados demográficos, estilo de vida, história sexual e ginecológica foram obtidos através de um questionário. A média de idade das mulheres foi 19,6 anos (SD=3,4). RESULTADOS: A prevalência de HPV foi de 27,4% e 19 diferentes tipos foram detectados, incluindo 13 oncogênicos. O HPV 16 foi o tipo mais prevalente (6,2%), seguido do 31 (4,1%) e do 66 (3,7%). A maioria dos tipos oncogênicos pertencia à espécie A9 (28/48). A frequência de mulheres infectadas por ao menos um tipo oncogênico foi significantemente mais alta do que aquelas infectadas por tipos de baixo risco (18,7% versus 7,5%). Alterações cervicais foram detectadas em 12,5% das jovens e foram positivamente relacionadas a tipos de HPV da espécie A9. Variáveis demográficas, iniciação sexual e número de parceiros sexuais não foram associados com a prevalência de HPV, variedade de genótipos ou tipos oncogênicos. CONCLUSÕES: A frequência razoável de outros genótipos além dos vacinais nestas jovens deve ser considerada para avaliação de estratégias de vacinação. Devido à alta prevalência de HPV na população estudada, a implantação de educação sexual nas escolas, incentivo ao uso de preservativo e exames preventivos devem ser encorajados nesta faixa etária.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this work was to survey HPV information from a random population of young women from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included cervical samples from 241 female students. To determine human papillomavirus status, polymerase chain reaction amplification was performed. HPV typing was determined by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Demographic data, life style, sexual and gynecological history were obtained through use of a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: The average age of the women was 19.6 years-old (SD=3.4 years). HPV prevalence was 27.4%. Nineteen different HPV genotypes were detected, including 13 high risk types. HPV 16 was the most prevalent type (6.2%), followed by 31 (4.1 %) and 66 (3.7%). Most of the oncogenic types belonged to the A9 species (28/48). The frequency of women infected by at least one oncogenic type was significantly higher than those only infected by low risk types (18.7% versus 7.5%). Cervical changes were detected in 12.5% of the sample and were significantly linked to infection with HPV types of the A9 species. Demographic variables, sexual initiation, or number of sexual partners were not associated with HPV prevalence, variety of HPV genotypes or oncogenic types. CONCLUSIONS: The relative frequency of HPV genotypes other than vaccine types in young females should be taken into account when evaluating vaccination strategies. Due to the high prevalence of HPV infection among the population studied, implementation of sex education in schools, promotion of condom use and an organized screening program to prevent cervical cancer must be encouraged for this age group.

OBJETIVO: As doenças sexualmente transmissíveis (DST) são causas frequentes de procura por serviços de saúde. As campanhas de mídia sobre DST/Aids apoiam-se na hipótese de que há maior exposição às práticas de risco para DST na época do Carnaval. Nosso objetivo é estudar a distribuição temporal dos atendimentos de primeira vez em uma clínica de DST no período de janeiro de 1993 a dezembro de 2005, visando verificar se há um aumento sazonal após o Carnaval. MÉTODOS: Selecionamos 2.646 prontuários com diagnóstico de gonorreia, sífilis e tricomoníase de pacientes que procuraram o Setor de DST da Universidade Federal Fluminense em Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Na análise estatística, utilizamos observação da média padronizada do número de atendimentos para os 13 anos, mês a mês, ano a ano, observação da série suavizada pelo método Lowess e pelo método determinístico da média móvel. RESULTADOS: Os meses de julho e agosto concentraram o maior número de diagnósticos de gonorreia e sífilis e os de junho e julho, os de tricomoníase. A gonorreia apresentou um valor máximo em maio, tendendo a se reduzir até agosto. Com relação à sífilis, observou-se um número de diagnósticos constantes entre maio e agosto, havendo menor número em janeiro e fevereiro com pico em novembro. O comportamento sazonal para a tricomoníase exibiu um máximo de diagnóstico em julho com tendência consistente de redução até o mês de dezembro, e elevação a partir de janeiro. CONCLUSÃO: O Carnaval não influencia no aumento da ocorrência de gonorréia, sífilis e tricomoníase em pacientes atendidos em uma clínica de DST em Niterói, Rio de Janeiro.

OBJECTIVE: Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) are often the cause for search for medical assistance. Media campaigns on STD/Aids presume that exposure to sexual risk practices during Carnival is greater than in other periods of the year. The objective here is to study the temporal distribution of first consultations in a STD clinic, from January, 1993, to December, 2005, to verify whether there is a seasonal increase of STD after Carnival. METHODS: Two thousand, six hundred and fifty six (2,656) records of patients who had received a diagnosis of gonorrhea, syphilisor trichomoniasis were selected. These patients at the time had looked for assistance at the STD Division of the Universidade Federal Fluminense, in Niterói, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The standardized mean of the number of consultations during those 13 years, month by month, and year by year was observed in the statistical analysis and also smoothed series by the Lowess method and by the deterministic method of the variable mean was considered. RESULTS: July and August showed an increased number of diagnoses for gonorrhea and syphilis, while in June and July there was a concentration of trichomoniasis diagnoses. Gonorrhea presented its highest value in May, tending to a reduction until August. A constant number of syphilis diagnoses was noted between May and August, with a decreased number in January and February, reaching a peak in November. The seasonal behavior of trichomoniasis showed the greatest number of diagnoses in July, with a consistent reduction tendency until December, and an increase from January on. CONCLUSION: The Carnival period has no influence on the increase of gonorrhea, syphilis and trichomoniasis diagnoses in patients observed in a STD clinic in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro.

We investigated human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in two female populations from diverse socio-economic strata from the state of Rio de Janeiro and we also investigated the possible co-factors related to infection and the progression to cancer. In Group I, the reference group of this study, 10.7% of the patients presented HPV infection, as detected by generic PCR, while in Group II (low socio-demographic conditions) HPV was detected in 31.1% of the samples. HPV16 was the most prevalent virus type found in both Groups I and II (5.3% and 10%, respectively), followed by HPV 18 (1.3% and 4.7%, respectively). Although only a small sample was analysed, we detected differences among the groups regarding the rates of HPV infection, HPV types, age, ethnicity, familial income, schooling, marital status, parity, tobacco smoking and oral contraceptive use. For Group I, the Papanicolaou test was the most powerful independent factor associated with HPV status, followed by an age of under 30 years old, the number of sexual partners and black ethnicity. Our data are in agreement with the co-factors that are typically described for the developed world. For Group II, the Pap test was also the most relevant variable that was analysed, but the history of other sexually transmitted diseases and the use of alcohol were additional factors that were implicated in infection. These findings point out the need for the development of general and specific strategies for HPV screening of all Brazilian women.

O objetivo do nosso trabalho foi avaliar o emprego de métodos moleculares para comprovar a presença dos papilomavírus humanos no trato genital. Amostras de 136 pacientes com idades entre 17 e 52 anos, coletadas nos Laboratórios Dr. Sérgio Franco entre 2000 e 2001, foram analisadas pelas técnicas de captura híbrida e amplificação pela reação em cadeia da polimerase com primers genéricos MY09/MY11 e específicos para os tipos 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 58. O genoma viral foi detectado em 71,3% dessas amostras pela captura híbrida e 75% pela reação em cadeia da polimerase. Quando a citopatologia foi usada como método de referência para rastreamento das lesões, a captura (p=0) e a amplificação (p=0,002) demonstraram associação positiva. Os três testes demonstraram concordância absoluta quando a citopatologia diagnosticou processo compatível com papilomavírus ou lesão intraepitelial de alto grau. Dez casos discordantes ocorreram: sete casos de citologia inflamatório positivos na reação em cadeia da polimerase mas negativos na captura híbrida e 3 casos de lesão de baixo grau positivas na captura híbrida e negativas pela reação em cadeia da polimerase. Concluímos que a captura híbrida apresentou sensibilidade e especificidade adequadas para uso clínico. Avaliação da carga viral obtida por esta metodologia relacionou-se com a severidade da lesão e merece estudos adicionais a fim de determinar seu valor prognóstico para o câncer.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the usefulness of molecular methodologies to access human papillomavirus genome in the genital tract. Samples from 136 women aged 17 to 52 years old obtained from the Dr. Sérgio Franco Laboratories between 2000 and 2001, were analyzed by the hybrid capture assay and amplified by PCR with generic primers MY09/MY11 and specific primers for types 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 58. Viral genome was detected in 71.3% of the samples by hybrid capture and 75% by amplification. When cytopathology was used as a reference method for screening lesions, hybrid capture (p=0) and amplification (p=0.002) presented positive association. The 3 methods showed absolute agreement when cytopathology confirmed papillomavirus infection and high grade intraepithelial lesion. Disagreements occurred for 10 cases: seven inflammatory cases positive by PCR and negative for hybrid capture and 3 low squamous intraepithelial lesions positive for hybrid capture but negative for amplification. In conclusion, hybrid capture was shown to be sensitive and specific enough for use in clinical routines. Moreover, the evaluation of viral load values obtained by this method were shown to be related to the severity of the lesion and merit further studies to analyze the possible association with risk of progression to malignancy.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most prevalent sexually-transmitted virus worldwide. It is known to be the etiological agent of cervical cancer and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). Consequently, there is strong motivation to evaluate HPV testing in cervical cancer screening. Recently developed, the second generation of the hybrid capture test (HCA II) is a non-radioactive, relatively rapid, hybridization assay, designed to detect 18 HPV types divided into high and low-risk groups. We evaluated 7,314 patients (5,833 women and 1,481 men) for HPV infection by HCA II. Among them, 3,008 (41.1%) presented HPV infection: 430 (14.2%) had HPV DNA of low risk for cancer, 1,631 (54.2%) had high risk HPV types and 947 (31.5%) had both types. The prevalence in females was 44.9%. The prevalence of HPV DNA in the group for which cytological results were available was slightly higher: 55.3% (1007/1824). Significant differences were detected in the frequency of HPV infection of the cervix between normal cases and those with high-grade squamous-intraepithelial lesions (HSIL)(P<0.0001). Among males, the prevalence was 26.2%, composed of 9.1% in Group A, 9.7% in Group B and 7.4% with multiple infections. We observed that male prevalence was lower and that low-risk types were more frequent than in females. HPV viral load was significantly greater in SILs than in normal or inflammatory cases (P<0.0001), suggesting an association between high viral load values and risk of SIL. Because of high costs, the HCA II test cannot be recommended for routine mass screening for cervical infection in poor countries. Nevertheless, it was found to be a useful tool, when combined with cytology, discovering high-risk infections in apparently normal tissues and revealing silent infections that may be responsible for the maintenance of HPV in the general population. These findings point to the need for close and careful management of patients, thereby reducing overtreatment, allowing analysis of both sexual partners and finally contributing to the control of genital infections associated with a risk for cancer.