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. Although not well circumstantiated, viruses probably play as-great a role in human cancer as in other species. The role of human papillomaviruses (HPV) not only in benign proliferations, but also in a number of malignancies has long been postulated (1,2). Presently over 20 HPV types have been identified and there is evidence now associating specific types with certain human anogenital cancers, notably cervical cancer (3,4). Advance neoplasias such as squamous cell carcinomas are associated with types, 16,18 and 31, with type 16 prevailing in these lesions (5,6). In this paper we shall present evidence which extends and confirms that previously reported on the prevalence of HPV 16 and 18 in Greek women.