Atypical HPV Typing: Detection of Genital-Associated HPV Type 6 in Verruca Vulgaris of the Hands and Feet in an HIV-Positive Patient

Verruca vulgaris is a cutaneous infection predominantly caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) type 1, 2, and 4. In immunocompromised individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, HPV leads to a higher prevalence of infections and also has a greater likelihood of being infected with atypical types such as genital-associated HPV in extragenital sites. This case report describes a 48-year-old male patient who presented with skin-colored verrucous papules on the hands and feet, with no evidence of genital lesions. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) genotyping identified the presence of HPV types 4, 6, and 16 as an etiology of verruca vulgaris, low-risk HPV with genital-associated lesions, and high-risk HPV. This atypical result may suggest a failure of the immune defense system of the body. Therefore, accurately identifying HPV types through PCR testing in immunocompromised patients is essential for appropriate clinical management and monitoring.