Diagnosis and typing of human papillomavirus by non isotopic in situ hybridization in cervical smears

Smears from four hundred and nine patients were studied for the presence and typing of HPV by non isotopic NISH. Cases eligible for the study were: a) 170 consecutive smears with classic cytologic signs of HPV associated with GIN; b) 219 consecutive cases with histologic evidence of HPV infection; c) 20 consecutive cases self-referring to colposcopy showing non cytologic or colposcopic abnormalities. Immediately before colposcopy 3 smears were taken from each patient and a NISH assay was performed using a mixer and typing test for HPV. The results showed a limited association of cytologic or histologic evidence of HPV to ISH positivity, especially when non classic morphologic criteria were considered.