Non-invasive detection of HPV DNA in exfoliative samples from ophthalmic pterygium: a feasibility study.

PURPOSE: The evaluation of a non-invasive detection method for human papilloma virus (HPV) in ophthalmic pterygia.

METHODS: Cotton swab samples and corresponding tissue specimens were collected from 21 ophthalmic pterygia of 21 patients. HPV detection and typing were performed by real-time PCR. Discrepancies in HPV detection between swab and tissue samples as well as clinical correlations of findings were examined.

RESULTS: HPV DNA was detected in 9 (42.86%) tissue specimens and 8 (38.09%) respective swab specimens. HPV genotypes 33, 39, 45, 56, 59 and 66 were identified in the examined specimens, while more than one strain's HPV type was detected in 2 specimens. HPV presence was significantly correlated with the female gender whereas other clinical associations were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS: Findings imply that PCR-mediated HPV detection and typing in exfoliative swab specimens may be employed as a non-invasive diagnostic tool in the management of ophthalmic pterygia.