Association between oral DNA-HPV and genital DNA-HPV

Abstract

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases worldwide and is observed in both men and women. The presence of the virus is often associated with benign and malignant neoplasms of the oral cavity. We wished to investigate whether HPV infection in the genitalia was associated with HPV infection in the oral mucosa.

Methods: The prevalence of HPV in the oral cavity and genitalia was evaluated by DNA extraction from genital and oral cavity samples of 105 women, followed by nested PCR.

Results and conclusions: The prevalence of HPV in the oral cavity was significantly higher in women who had genital HPV (P < 0.0001). Oral sex, alcohol, and tobacco consumption were not associated with the oral HPV infection.

Keywords: genital; human papillomavirus; nested PCR; oral cavity.