Relation of cytohistopathology of genital herpesvirus infection to cervical anaplasia.

Abstract

Cytological changes resulting from herpes simplex virus (HSV) were detected in 673 (.26%) of 279,589 cervicovaginal smears from an indigent hospital population. Histopathological features of HSV infection were observed in 45 of 126 biopsies taken from the group of 673. Most of the lesions were multifocal and were located on the squamocolumnar junction; diagnostic cells were found at the base of normal squamous epithelium or at the surface of anaplastic epithelium. The cytological and histological changes and diagnostic procedures for HSV infection are given in detail; cytological detection is 2/3 as sensitive as viral isolation. The presence of anaplasia in about 2/3 of the 673 HSV cases either before or at the same time as the detection of HSV suggests that anaplastic tissue is more susceptible to HSV infection. However, serological evidence showing HSV antibodies before the onset of cervical anaplasia, the recurring nature of HSV, and epidemiological evidence showing the age of acquisition of HSV to be 5-30 years before diagnosis of cervical cancer are all compatible with the view that HSV causes cervical cancer.