Detecting Human Papillomavirus in Skin Disease Clinical Specimens: Challenges and Methods

Human papillomavirus (HPV) typing relies on sequencing the HPV L1 gene. While polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is useful, it may not detect all HPV types, given that more than 230 HPV types have been reported, potentially requiring different PCR primer pairs. HPV detection, particularly cutaneous HPV, remains at the laboratory level lacking commercial kits for detection. Recently, digital papillary adenocarcinoma has been linked to mucosal low-risk HPV type 42. This underscores the ongoing importance of detecting HPV in skin tumors. Here, we present methods employed in our department for HPV detection. HPV typing is a virological diagnosis that complements conventional clinical and pathological assessments. Non-invasive sample collection methods, such as swabs and removed keratin materials, are clinically important for HPV typing. Incorporating viral detection from skin surfaces into routine diagnostic protocols could enhance HPV diagnosis. Furthermore, the methods established in HPV research may be applied in diagnosis of other viral skin diseases in the future.