We describe a simple and fast method for the detection and localization of low copy numbers of HPV DNA in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded archival tissues. We have developed a protocol for direct bl situ-PCR in order to demonstrate its convenience in rapid and reproducible assessment of HPV infection in unknown biopsies. The morphological aspect of the tissues has been maintained, despite the multiple steps of fixation, permeabilization and thermal cycling, and positivity has been detected only in virus target cells.
