Epidemiology

British Journal of Cancer (2004) 90, 1777–1779. doi:10.1038/sj.bjc.6601743 www.bjcancer.com
Published online 6 April 2004

Epidermodysplasia verruciformis human papillomavirus types and carcinoma of the conjunctiva: a pilot study

C Ateenyi-Agaba1, E Weiderpass2,3, A Smet2, W Dong2, M Dai2, B Kahwa4, H Wabinga5, E Katongole-Mbidde6, S Franceschi2 and M Tommasino2

  1. 1Department of Ophthalmology, Makerere University, PO Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
  2. 2International Agency for Research on Cancer, Unit of Field and Intervention Studies, World Health Organization, 150 Cours Albert Thomas, 69372 Lyon, France
  3. 3Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, PO Box 281, S-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
  4. 4Jinja Hospital, PO Box 2004, Jinja, Uganda
  5. 5Department of Pathology, Makerere University, PO Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
  6. 6Uganda Cancer Institute, PO Box 7051, Kampala, Uganda

Correspondence: Dr E Weiderpass, Unit of Field and Intervention Studies, International Agency for Research on Cancer, World Health Organization, 150 Cours Albert Thomas, F-69372 Lyon Cedex 08, France. E-mail: weiderpass@iarc.fr

Received 23 October 2003; Revised 30 January 2004; Accepted 2 February 2004; Published online 6 April 2004.

Top

Abstract

A total of 21 squamous-cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva (SCC) and 22 control subjects had conjunctival samples tested for human papillomavirus (HPV) types using PCR-based assays. Epidermodysplasia verruciformis HPV types were found in 86% of SCC cases and 36% of control subjects (Odds ratio=12.0), suggesting a role of HPVs in the aetiology of SCC.

Keywords:

squamous-cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva, human papillomavirus (HPV), PCR-based assays, Epidermodysplasia verruciformis HPV types, Uganda