Suspecting it to be epidermodysplasia verruciformis, DMCH doctors are sending blood, tissue and saliva samples of a man with a rare skin disorder to a US molecular biologist next week for a confirmation before starting the treatment.

Researching on the disease's symptoms for over 20 years, W Martin Cast has asked for samples, Dr Samanta Lal Sen, coordinator, Burn & Plastic Surgery Unit, Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), told The Daily Star yesterday.

"We will wait till we are sure of it," he added, rejecting the possibility of Abul Bajandar being sent abroad for treatment. The aim is to regain use of his hands and  some fingers and chances of a complete cure are low, he said.

Admitted to the institute since January 30, Abul, 26, hails from Khulna and has tree trunk like warts, almost weighing four kilogrammes, on both hands and feet.

Meanwhile, visiting Abul, Health Minister Muhammed Nasim said the government was willing to try all means possible to cure him of the disease and urged journalists not to crowd the patient's room.

Dr Abul Kalam, head of a six-member medical board formed for Abul, said the patient was kept isolated in a room for being vulnerable to contracting infections.