Detection of high-risk human papillomavirus genotypes 58 and 59 among oral squamous cell carcinoma patients

Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), a type of head and neck cancer (HNC), represents a major global health issue contributing to substantial morbidity and mortality. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is an established oncogenic virus and is among the major causes for OPSCC. Although HPV has been identified as a risk factor for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Limited information exists on its current prevalence and associated risk factors in India. The current research aimed to detect different high-risk HPV genotypes among OSCC and OPSCC patients attending a tertiary care hospital in Mangalore, India. After consenting to participate in the study, tumor tissue biopsies were collected from 25 oral cancer patients. Nucleic acid was extracted from samples and tested for high-risk HPV by real-time PCR and conventional multiplex PCR. Furthermore, Sanger sequencing and bioinformatic analysis were performed to identify the specific genotypes. Among the 25 biopsy samples tested, three samples (12%) were positive for high-risk HPV. The sequencing results indicated that two of the samples belonged to HR HPV type 58, and one belonged to type 59. Clinical analysis revealed a significant association between HPV-positive OSCC and high alcohol consumption and tobacco chewing. The findings of the present study suggest that in addition to traditional risk factors such as alcohol and tobacco use, HPV may also be a risk factor for the development and progression of OSCC, although its specific etiological role remains unclear. While most Indian studies have consistently reported HPV 16 and 18 as the predominant subtypes, our findings highlight the presence of other HR-HPV types 58 and 59 among OSCC patients.