Minhas S, Kashif M, Rehman Z, Idrees M, Ansari F. Molecular characterization and risk factors of oral high-risk human papillomavirus among females in Punjab, Pakistan.
J Med Virol 2023;
95:e27893. [PMID:
35644904 DOI:
10.1002/jmv.27893]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
The development of oral and oropharyngeal cancers is associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. However, debate exists about the prevalence of high-risk oral HPV (HR-HPV) and its associated risk factors. This study evaluated the distribution of genotypes and associated risk factors of oral HR-HPV infection in the normal oral mucosa of the Pakistani female population with general gynecological problems.
METHODS
A total of 200 females from a regional gynecological hospital in Pakistan were included in this cross-sectional study. A self-administered questionnaire was carried out, followed by the study participants' oral and dental examinations. Whole saliva was collected by a drooling method. The viral DNA extraction and oral HR-HPV genotyping were detected via real-time polymerase chain reaction.
RESULTS
Among the 200 females (mean age, 37.76 years), 22 females (11%) were positive for oral HR-HPV DNA. Single oral HR-HPV infection was seen in 8%, whereas co-infection was observed in 3% with HPV16 and HPV18 most common genotypes. Comparison of the risk factors like oral sex history odds ratio (OR 8.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.85-28.16; p < 0.005), and open-mouth kissing (OR, 5.17; 95% CI 1.48-27.41; p = 0.005) with oral HR-HPV infection was found to be significantly associated.
CONCLUSION
In Pakistan, oral HR-HPV-positive infection is not uncommon; HPV16 and HPV18 are the most frequent genotypes. Furthermore, this study also provides data that oral HR-HPV positive infection was significantly associated with sexual behaviors. Therefore, preventive health efforts, like health education and vaccination, should be practiced.
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