Characterization of plantar verrucae among individuals with human immunodeficiency virus

R Meberg California College of Podiatric Medicine, San Francisco, USA.

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E Kenyon California College of Podiatric Medicine, San Francisco, USA.

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R Bierman California College of Podiatric Medicine, San Francisco, USA.

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L Loveland California College of Podiatric Medicine, San Francisco, USA.

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P Barbosa California College of Podiatric Medicine, San Francisco, USA.

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Plantar verrucae, caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), are commonly found in patients who have tested positive for the antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). A better understanding of the characteristics of plantar verrucae in HIV+ patients in needed. A pilot study was conducted concentrating on three characteristics--the size, the number, and the clinical type--of verrucae present in this population. These parameters were studied in HIV+ and HIV- populations, and they were evaluated in relation to the CD4 levels of HIV+ individuals. The HIV+ individuals presented with plantar verrucae that were larger and more numerous than those found in HIV- individuals. The HIV+ population presented with all three clinical types of plantar verrucae and had significantly more mosaic-type warts than did HIV- individuals. The three characteristics did not correlate with CD4 cell counts, suggesting that the severity and extent of HPV infection do not depend on the level of immunosuppression of the HIV+ patient.

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