HPV typing of vulvovaginal condylomata in children.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the human papillomavirus (HPV) subtypes in vulvovaginal warts in prepubescent children.

DESIGN

Histopathology case series.

SETTING

Outpatient and gynaecology clinics of hospitals in the greater Johannesburg area.

PATIENTS

All cases of vulvovaginal warts diagnosed in children under the age of 12 years received at the South African Institute for Medical Research, Johannesburg, during the period 1 January 1991 to 31 December 1993.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Positivity for "genital' HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33 and 35 using non-isotopic in situ hybridisation (NISH) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

RESULTS

Eight of the 9 vulvovaginal warts contained HPV 11 when assessed by means of NISH (89%). PCR amplified HPV DNA in all 9 (100%) of the biopsies.

CONCLUSION

Detection of genital subtypes of HPV in childhood condylomata acuminata points strongly to sexual abuse, but should only be used as a guide to further investigation by a multidisciplinary team.