Human papillomaviruses in cervical cancer I. HPV-16 and 18 predominate in the Greek population.

Human papillomaviruses (HPV) and their role in carcinogenesis have been the subject of extensive investigation Specific types of HPV have been associated with cervical carcinoma HPV 16 and 18 are mainly associated with malignant progression and considered "high risk" viruses Using Southern blot analysis and in situ hybridization we investigated the presence of papilloma viruses in cervical carcinoma patients as well as appropriate controls. The results presented here support the aetiological role of HPV 16 and 18 in cervical carcinoma and demonstrate the prevalence of these viruses in Greek women. The role of viruses in carcinogenesis in well established in almost all species from fishes, to birds, to mammals.