Demonstration of Epstein-Barr virus DNA and human papillomavirus DNA in acetowhite lesions of the penile skin and the oral mucosa

Abstract

Oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL), thought to be caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), shows similar histological and clinical features to human papillomavirus (HPV)-related acetowhite lesions of the vulva. We thus aimed to investigate the role of both HPV and EBV in men with acetowhite lesions of the penis. HPV but not EBV was significantly associated with penile acetowhite lesions showing koilocytosis compared with normal penile skin (12/20 versus 5/20, P < 0.02). HPV (5/20) and EBV (6/20) was detected in oral mucosa of some of these individuals. These results confirm an aetiological association between HPV and acetowhite penile lesions showing koilocytosis. HPV and EBV carriage in the oral mucosa is relatively common in young sexually active men.