Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gynecology 
Volume 2 (1994), Issue 4, Pages 167-170
doi:10.1155/S1064744994000591
Clinical Study

Human Papillomavirus DNA in LEEP Plume

Anil K. Sood,1 Zahra Bahrani-Mostafavi,2 Jay Stoerker,2 and I. Keith Stone1

1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Florida College of Medicine, P.O. Box 100294, Gainesville 32610-0294, FL, USA
2Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC, USA

Received 22 June 1994; Accepted 9 September 1994

Abstract

Objective: This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) plumes.

Methods: Forty-nine consecutive patients with colposcopic and cytologic evidence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) were tested. Smoke plumes were collected through a filter placed in the suction tubing. DNA was harvested by proteinase K digest of the filters and prepared for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) by L1 consensus primers.

Results: Thirty-nine (80%) tissue samples were positive for HPV, with types 6/11 in 4, 16/18 in 19, 31/33/35 in 2, and other types in 6 patients. The tissue sample was inadequate for typing in 8 patients. HPV DNA was detected in 18 (37%) filters.

Conclusions: Although the consequences of HPV in LEEP plume are unknown, it would be prudent to adopt stringent control procedures.