Detection of Human papillomavirus 16 and 18 types in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients in Yazd, Iran: A Case-Control Study

The aim of this study was to ascertain the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) 16/18 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and normal oral mucosa in Iranian individuals with OSCC and their association with various risk factors. The investigation followed a hospital-based case-control design. Cases were individuals with diagnosed OSCC, age- and sex-matched with controls. Sixty-six paraffin embedded tissue samples (39 OSCC and 27normal oral mucosa) were studied. DNA was purified to amplify HPV-DNA using HPV type specific primers-mediated polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Mean age was 64.2 ±14 years in cases (range 25-81 years), and 63.5 ±13.5 years in controls (range 22-78 years). Forty-three percent (17/39) of OSCC but none of normal oral mucosa were positive for HPV 16/18 DNA (p = 0.001). The most frequent type in patient group was HPV-16 type. The prevalence rate was high older in age ( > 50 years) and gender (male) and tongue tissue but no significant association was found (p=0.7, p=0.5 and p=0.42 respectively). We found a significant association of HPV16/18 with oral squamous cell carcinoma. Also, HPV16/18 is a co-factor in oral carcinogenesis. In addition, also it is suggested that HPV is as a risk factor independent of alcohol and tobacco can be effective in creating OSCC.