Marc Van Ranst

Human papillomavirus type 13 and pygmy chimpanzee papillomavirus type 1: comparison of the genome organizations

Human papillomavirus type 13(HPV-13) is associated with oral focal epithelial hyperplasia (FEH) in humans. A recent epidemic of a FEH-like disease in a pygmy chimpanzee (Pan paniscus) colony allowed us to clone a novel papillomavirus genome. To assess the homology between HPV-13 and the pygmy chimpanzee papillomavirus type 1 (PCPV-1), the complete nucleotide sequences of both FEH-related viruses were determined. In both viruses, all eight major open reading frames were located on one strand and the genomic organization was similar to that of other mucosal papillomaviruses. The genomes of PCPV-1 and HPV-13 showed extensive overall sequence homology (85%). They could be classified, using phylogenetic analysis, together with HPV types 6, 11, 43, and 44 in a group associated with benign orogenital lesions. These data indicate that two phylogenetically related papillomaviruses can elicit similar pathology in different primate host species, reflecting viral genomic similarities.

Seroreactivity to a L2-Derived Synthetic Peptide Correlates with the Number of Surgery-Necessitating Recurrences in Patients with Laryngeal Papillomatosis

More than 70 phylogenetically related human papillomaviruses (HPV) have been isolated.1,2 Numerous HPV types have recently been implicated in the etiology of carcinomatous lesions.3 Several. benign epithelial. tumors in the upper aerodigestive tract are associated with the presence of HPVs.4,5 Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP), associated with the presence of HPV-6 or -11, is the most common benign tumor of the larynx, affecting both children and adults.6 Juvenile papillomatosis occurs between the ages of 1 and 5 years, whereas adult onset papillomatosis occurs between the ages of 20 and 50.7-9 It commonly affects the true vocal. cords, the commissures, and/or the epiglottis and occasionally extends into the trachea and bronchial. tree. RRP frequently runs a protracted course that necessitates repeated surgical. endolaryngeal. procedures to remove the papillomas in order to maintain a patent airway.10