Human papillomavirus and herpes simplex virus in vulvar squamous cell carcinoma in situ.

Human papillomavirus deoxyribonucleic acid were detected in tissue specimens from 38 to 46 patients (83%) with squamous cell carcinoma in situ of the vulva. Herpes simplex virus type 2--related antigen ICSP 34/35 was demonstrated in 23 of the lesions (50%), and antibodies to herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 were found in 74% and 65% of the serum samples tested, respectively. Both human papillomavirus deoxyribonucleic acid and herpes simplex virus type 2 antigen were detected in 19 cases (41%). Correlation of human papillomavirus type to the ages of the patients revealed that types 16, 18, and 31 are most often seen in older patients, although the frequencies do not differ significantly. No relationship between the presence or absence of herpes simplex virus type 2--related antigen to age of the patient was observed.