Transmission of genital human papillomavirus infections is unlikely through the floor and seats of humid dwellings in countries of high-level hygiene

Scand J Infect Dis. 1996;28(3):243-6. doi: 10.3109/00365549609027165.

Abstract

To evaluate the transmission of genital human papillomavirus (HPV) through the floor and seats of humid dwellings, samples were collected with a toothbrush from the floor and seat surfaces of humid dwellings; showers, saunas and dressing rooms. The survey included 3 bathing resorts, 1 indoor swimming pool, 2 schools and 2 private homes. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify the human beta-globin gene and HPV DNA. The results for HPV DNA amplification were confirmed by Southern blot hybridization under low stringency using a probe mixture of HPV types 6, 16, 18 and 31. beta-globin could be amplified only from 3 sample taken from a dressing room of and indoor public swimming pool. No HPV DNA-positive samples were found. These results indicate that transmission of genital HPV infection via floor or seat surfaces in the above dwellings in general or family use is highly unlikely.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Arm / virology
  • Blotting, Southern
  • Child
  • Condylomata Acuminata / epidemiology*
  • DNA, Viral / isolation & purification
  • Female
  • Foot / virology
  • Globins / genetics
  • Humans
  • Leg / virology
  • Male
  • Papillomaviridae / genetics
  • Papillomaviridae / isolation & purification*
  • Papillomavirus Infections / epidemiology
  • Papillomavirus Infections / transmission*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Schools
  • Skin / virology
  • Steam Bath
  • Swimming Pools

Substances

  • DNA, Viral
  • Globins