Detection of HSV-2 antigen in carcinoma cervix and premalignant conditions by immuno-cytochemistry.

ABSTRACT

One hundred and twelve cases of cervical pathology (58 paraffin sections and 54 cervical smears) were assessed by PAP technique and 30 cases by indirect immunofluorescent technique. Forty-two normal cervical smears from the age matched controls were stained by indirect immuno-fluorescent technique. HSV-2 antigen was detected by PAP method in 86 out of 112 cases (78.57%) i.e. 50/55 squamous cell carcinoma, 13/13 carcinoma in situ, 11/15 severe dysplasia, 3/4 moderate dysplasia and 9/16 mild dysplasia. The amount of antigen was maximum in squamous cell carcinoma and decreased in carcinoma in situ, severe, moderate and mild dysplasia in descending order. Three cases of adenocarcinoma cervix were negative. Only one case out of 42 controls was positive. HSV-2 antigen was detected by an indirect IF technique in 8/9 squamous cell carcinoma, 2/3 carcinoma in situ, 3/7 dysplasia, O/1 adenocarcinoma and 4/10 inflammatory cases. The above findings support the association between HSV-2 and squamous cell carcinoma cervix, as well as carcinoma in situ which is statistically significant.