Background Persons with albinism (PWA) are at increased risk of keratinocyte tumors due to the absence of protective melanin, compounded by ultraviolet (UV) radiation and potential beta human papillomavirus (β-HPV) involvement. Limited data exist on the burden and association of β-HPV with keratinocyte tumors in this population.
Objective.To determine the prevalence of keratinocyte tumors and association with diversity of β-HPV among persons with albinism (PWA) attending the Regional Dermatology Training Centre (RDTC) in Northern Tanzania.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2024 to June 2025, enrolling 192 PWA aged ≥18 years. Participants underwent clinical examinations, during which punch biopsies were obtained from suspected malignancies, and skin scrapings were collected from clinically diagnosed actinic keratoses (AK) for β-HPV detection using conventional PCR.Excisional biopsies were performed for histopathological confirmation of malignant tumors. Data were analysed using Stata version 15, with Fisher’s exact and Chi-square tests used to assess associations (p<0.05).
Results
The prevalence of keratinocyte tumors was 48.9% (94/192), with AK at 41.1% (79/192), SCC at 5.7% (11/192), and BCC at 2.1% (4/192). β-HPV was detected in 59.4% of 96 lesional skin samples, predominantly HPV types 5 (42.5% in AK, 8.8% in SCC), 8 (36.8% in AK, 7.3% in SCC), and 38 (20.6% in AK, 2.9% in SCC). HPV types 5 and 8 were significantly associated with SCC (p<0.001) and AK (p=0.002 and p=0.004, respectively), but not with BCC.
Conclusion
The high prevalence of keratinocyte tumors and β-HPV among PWA highlights the need for enhanced sun protection.The association of HPV types 5 and 8 with SCC and AK suggests their role in skin carcinogenesis, warranting further research into HPV-targeted interventions.
Objective.To determine the prevalence of keratinocyte tumors and association with diversity of β-HPV among persons with albinism (PWA) attending the Regional Dermatology Training Centre (RDTC) in Northern Tanzania.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2024 to June 2025, enrolling 192 PWA aged ≥18 years. Participants underwent clinical examinations, during which punch biopsies were obtained from suspected malignancies, and skin scrapings were collected from clinically diagnosed actinic keratoses (AK) for β-HPV detection using conventional PCR.Excisional biopsies were performed for histopathological confirmation of malignant tumors. Data were analysed using Stata version 15, with Fisher’s exact and Chi-square tests used to assess associations (p<0.05).
Results
The prevalence of keratinocyte tumors was 48.9% (94/192), with AK at 41.1% (79/192), SCC at 5.7% (11/192), and BCC at 2.1% (4/192). β-HPV was detected in 59.4% of 96 lesional skin samples, predominantly HPV types 5 (42.5% in AK, 8.8% in SCC), 8 (36.8% in AK, 7.3% in SCC), and 38 (20.6% in AK, 2.9% in SCC). HPV types 5 and 8 were significantly associated with SCC (p<0.001) and AK (p=0.002 and p=0.004, respectively), but not with BCC.
Conclusion
The high prevalence of keratinocyte tumors and β-HPV among PWA highlights the need for enhanced sun protection.The association of HPV types 5 and 8 with SCC and AK suggests their role in skin carcinogenesis, warranting further research into HPV-targeted interventions.
Dermatology Resident