Abstract: Twelve specimens of genital warts were excised from 12 patients and divided into three parts.One part was untreated,the second and the third part were treated with CO₂ laser and microwave respectively.HPV DNA was amplified and detected in 100% of untreated specimens (HPV16 and HPV11 in six patients each),in 83% and 50% of specimens treated with CO₂ laser and microwave respectively.There was a significant difference in the detection rates between untreated and microwave treated specimens (χ²=4.18,P<0.05).Microwave damaged HPV DNA more effectively than CO₂ laser.

Key words: Condylomata acuminata, Polymerase chain reaction, Papillomaviruses