Detection with the polymerase chain reaction of human papillomavirus DNA in condylomata acuminata treated with CO2 laser and microwave

BACKGROUND: The recurrence rates of condyloma acuminata are high. The reasons for the relatively high relapse rates with different treatments are unknown. METHODS: Twelve specimens of condylomata acuminata of the vulva were excised from 12 patients and divided into three parts. One part was untreated, the second and the third parts were treated with CO2 laser and microwave, respectively. DNA was then extracted from tissue by proteolytic digestion and amplified by the polymerase chain reaction. Dot blots were performed with the use of radiolabeled consensus and human papilloma virus (HPV) type-specific probes. RESULTS: HPV DNA was amplified in 100% of untreated specimens (6-HPV 6; 6-HPV 11), and in 83.3% and 50% of specimens treated with CO2 laser and microwave, respectively. There was a significant difference in detection between untreated and microwave-treated specimens (chi 2 = 4.18, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Microwave damages HPV DNA more effectively than CO2 laser.