DETERMINATION OF HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS IN PTERYGIUM BY PCR

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose:To determine the prevalence of different types of human papilloma virus (HPV) in pterygium by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Methods:We used PCR to identify the presence of the VPH in 32 pterygiums assessing the following features of the patients: age, gender, occupation, place of birth and living family history of pterigyum and the characteristics of the pterygium (location –nasal or temporal– evolution time, size primary or recurrent) Results:We identified the presence of HPV in 4 of the 32 pterygiums (12.5%). No predilection was found for HPV regarding sex and age. Of the 4 cases, three patients worked indoors. Three patients were born and had residence in Mexico city. The four cases were nasal in topography, and one was a recurrent pterygium. No statistical significance was observed with size and recurrences . Conclusions:Many theories have been proposed regarding the pathogenesis of the pterygium, being exposure to UVA and UVB rays the most commonly accepted. Recently, a possible viral implication has been proposed, in particular HPV. In our study we found 4 cases of HPV in pterygiums. We could not determine a possible etiologic association. This study is different to that reported by Gallagher, because he used paraffin samples. We believe PCR should be considered more routinely in patients with pterygium; however it is necessary to have a larger number of patients to determine the possible influence of HPV in etiology, evolution and behavior of pterygiums.

Keywords: Pterygium • microbial pathogenesis: experimental studies • pathobiology