Detection of Human Papillomavirus Type 56 DNA in Hair Follicles in the Genital Area of a Woman No Longer Suffering from Viral Warts

The study investigated whether hair follicles in the genital area could serve as reservoirs for human papillomavirus (HPV) type 56, a mucous high-risk group virus, in a woman who no longer had viral warts. The researchers used polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization to detect HPV 56 DNA in plucked hairs from the genital area. The results showed strong positive signals for the presence of HPV 56 DNA, suggesting that hair follicles might indeed act as reservoirs for this type of HPV even when there is no apparent infection.