Papillomavirus infection of the cervix I. Correlation of histology with viral structural antigens and DNA sequences.

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Eight cervical biopsies showing mild dysplasia and one showing squamous metaplasia were studied for the presence of papillomavirus (PV) antigens using an immunoperoxidase method having immunospecificity against the genus-specific (common) structural antigen(s) and for PV-specific DNA sequences by molecular hybridization under nonstrigent conditions. Of the eight cases showing mild dysplasia, both PV antigens and PV DNA sequences were detected in five, PV antigens only in one, and PV DNA sequences only in one; viral antigens and DNA sequences were not detected in the remaining lesion. A characteristic cellular atypia (PV-induced atypia) was present in the superficial and intermediate layers of the epithelium in the six cases positive for viral antigens, and a proliferation of basal and parabasal cells (PV-induced hyperplasia) occurred in five of these. PV structural antigens were localized within nuclei of some of the cells displaying atypia but not in the proliferating cells. The PV-specific DNA sequences in all six cases had the properties of unintegrated PV-DNA. In view of the demonstration of both PV antigens and DNA sequences in this distinctive lesion (PV-induced atypia and/or hyperplasia), traditionally regarded as a form of dysplasia, it is proposed that this lesion be referred to as "papillomavirus infection of the cervix."