21 YEARS OF FOLLOW-UP STUDIES OF FAMILIAL EPIDERMODYSPLASIA VERRUCIFORMIS

21 years of follow-up study of a family with epidermodysplasia verruciformis (e.v.) have shown that members of one family can be infected with different human papillomaviruses (HPVs). either HPV 3 or HPV 4. and sometimes with both. The clinical picture resembled disseminated flat warts in cases induced by HPV 3. whereas in those caused by HPV 4 there were Hat red or red-brownish plaques and depigmented pityriasis vcrsicolor-like lesions. Malignancies developed only in family members infected with HPV 4. whereas the cases due to HPV 3 ran a more benign and slowly progressive or stationary course. There were also abortive and regressive cases, and the 3 children in whom the wart-like lesions did not recur after removal had an unimpaired cell-mediated immunity (CM1). In all cases of e.v., irrespective of the inducing virus. CM I was low, which seems to be an important factor in the pathogenesis of the disease. Humoral antibodies directed specifically against HPV 3 were present in the majority of the cases, mainly those infected with HPV 3. © 1979 S. Karger AG, Basel.