PCR based detection of HPV 16 and 18 genotypes in normal oral mucosa of tobacco users and non-users

PCR-based evaluation of human papillomavirus genotypes in oral lichen planus

Objective:

The objective of the study was to use polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to examine and compare the genotype distribution of human papillomavirus (HPV) in oral lichen planus (OLP).

Materials and Methods:

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted from 20 OLP biopsy specimens. Conventional PCR assay employing consensus HPV primers was used to identify HPV DNA. Positive PCR samples were then subjected to PCR assay with HPV type-specific primers.

Results:

Out of the total 20 OLP specimens evaluated, eight samples (40%) were positive for HPV. Females had a 41.7% higher HPV-positive rate than males. The most common type in the HPV type-specific PCR assay was HPV-18 (75%), which is a high-risk type of HPV linked to malignant diseases. The erosive kind of OLP had the greatest percentage of HPV positives (50%).

Conclusion:

The present study confirms the detection of HPV in OLP lesions, as determined by PCR-coupled HPV gene sequencing, as well as its likely mechanism of malignant transformation.

Detection of Felis catus papillomavirus type-2 DNA and viral gene expression suggest active infection in feline oral squamous cell carcinoma

Papillomavirus (PV) infection is associated with development of epithelial cancer in different species, including domestic cat (Felis catus). Felis catus PV type-2 (FcaPV-2) is considered the causative agent of a proportion of feline cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), through the transforming properties of its E6 and E7 oncogenes. However, the possible role of FcaPVs in the aetiology of feline oral SCC (FOSCC) is still unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the presence and gene expression of FcaPV-2 in FOSCC samples. We detected FcaPV-2 DNA in 10/32 (31%) of the analysed FOSCC by the use of PCR methods. Importantly, viral mRNA was detected by RT-PCR in 7/10 (70%) of DNA positive samples. In particular, FcaPV-2 L1, E2 and E6E7 genes were found to be expressed in 5/10 (50%), 3/10 (33%) and 5/10 (50%) samples, respectively. Viral DNA was also detected in non neoplastic oral ulcerative lesions (ULs) (4/11, 36%); qPCR suggested a difference in viral load between ULs and FOSCCs, particularly in those expressing E6E7, although it was not statistically significant. These data suggest, but do not definively prove, a possible role of FcaPV-2 in the development of a proportion of FOSCC. Moreover, L1 and E2 gene expression results indicate that FcaPV-2 infection associated with these tumours may possibly be productive.

Prevalence of oral human papillomavirus (HPV) in the adult population of Córdoba, Argentina

Objective:

To determine the prevalence of oral human papillomavirus (HPV) in the population of Córdoba, Argentina and its association with other risk factors.

Methods:

A sample of 401 volunteers over 18 years, representative of Cordoba city population, was selected. Using a questionnaire, we collected sociodemographic data including the use of tobacco, alcohol, and mate consumption. Two biological samples were taken from each individual, whole mouth saliva and a scraping of the posterior border of the tongue. HPV was determined by polymerase chain reaction using MY09/11 primers. Statistical associations were analyzed using χ2 test.

Results:

Prevalence of HPV in the population was of 3% (13/401). The mean age of HPV-positive cases was 42 years with a range of 20–85; 54% were females. Among the 13 cases whose saliva was positive for HPV, only 7 (54%) had HPV-DNA in the tongue scraping. All identified genotypes were of low risk and HPV11 was the most frequent type in 62% of positive cases. None of the positive subjects exhibited oral lesions compatible with HPV infection. Ten (77%) of the HPV-positive subjects exhibited lesions in the oral mucosa, mostly related to chronic mechanical irritation (CMI) (odds ratio 3, 95% confidence interval: 1.01–8.97, p < 0.05). Fifty-four percent of HPV-positive individuals were light smokers and consumed alcohol moderately. The combination of both habits was observed in 31%. Sixty-two percent drank mate at high water temperatures. No differences were detected in the sexual behavior or in the reported number of sexual partners between HPV-positive and -negative subjects.

Conclusion:

The overall prevalence of oral HPV in adults was 3%; only the low-risk genotypes were detected and no association with other risk factors for oral cancer was found. However, an association with CMI of the oral mucosa was noted. The saliva sample proved to be a simple, efficient, and well-tolerated method suitable for screening for HPV, and more cases were detected in saliva compared with tissue scrapings.

Human papillomavirus in head and neck cancer in India: Current status and consensus recommendations

Human papillomavirus (HPV) associated head and neck squamous cell cancers (HNSCC) have become increasingly common in the West, but the same cannot be said about India. These cancers have a different biology and confer a better prognosis, however, its current role in the management of patients in India is not clearly defined. At the 35th Indian Cooperative Oncology Network conference held in September 2016, a panel of radiation, surgical and medical oncologists, pathologists, and basic scientists from across the country having experience in clinical research with respect to HPV in HNSCC reviewed the available literature from India. All the ideas and facts were thereafter collated in this report. Various topics of controversy in dealing with the diagnosis and management of HPV-associated HNSCC have been highlighted in this report in context to the Indian scenario. Furthermore, the prevalence of the same and its association with tobacco and high-risk sexual behavior has been touched on. Conclusively, a set of recommendations has been proposed by the panel to guide the practicing oncologists of the country while dealing with HPV-associated HNSCC.