DETECTION OF HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS DNA IN BIOPSIES OF ORAL PAPILLOMAS

Kristina Meljanac Salopek; Sven Seiwerth

Kristina Meljanac Salopek Laboratory for Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Salata 10, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
Sven Seiwerth Laboratory for Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Salata 10, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia

Keywords: HPV type, oral papilloma, oropharyngeal papilloma, laryngeal papilloma

Abstract

Introduction: There are more than 120 genotypically different forms of human papillomaviruses (HPV), of which more than 40 HPV types can infect genital and oral mucosa in both males and females. While it is proven that HPV infections play a major role in the pathogenesis of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas, there is little information regarding the role of HPV in oral papillomas. The aim of this study was to highlight the importance of HPV testing in oral, oropharyngeal and laryngeal papilloma.

Materials and methods: From 2012 to April 2018, there have been 105 patients diagnosed with oral, oropharyngeal and laryngeal papilloma. After DNA isolation, PCR was performed for ß-globin gene to ensure quality of the tested DNA. The presence of HPV DNA was determined using general primers Gp5+/Gp6+. Amplification of HPV types 6/11, 16 and 18 was carried out using type-specific primers. All PCR products were subjected to electrophoresis and analyzed.

Results: HPV 6/11 was found in 20 (19%) patients. None of the samples was positive for HPV 16 nor HPV 18. Samples of 12 (11%) patients could not be genotyped.

Conclusion: Only HPV 6/11 was identified in tested biopsies. HPV testing should be recommended for all oral lesions.