Laboratory Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention and Control - Human Papillomaviruses Infections

Laboratory Diagnosis

The diagnosis of wart is made by histopathological examination. Demonstration of hyperplasia of the prickle cells and excessive production of keratin (hyperkeratosis) is diagnos-tic of the condition. Human papilloma virus infection can be detected by the demonstration of round coalesced cytotic squamous epithelial cells occurring in clumps in Papanicolaou smears. Cell cultures are not useful, because HPVs do not grow in cell lines. Serology is rarely used. The typing of virus isolates may be carried out by immunohistochemical detection of HPV structural proteins.

Treatment

Warts are regressed during the course of time over a period of months to years. The warts can be removed by surgical cryo-therapy, electrocautery, or chemical reagents.

Prevention and Control

No specific preventive measures are available against HPV infection. Avoidance of direct contact with infected warts may prevent transmission. Safe sexual practice will be useful to prevent sexual transmission of HPV.