Low rate of oropharyngeal human papillomavirus infection of women with cervical lesions and their partners: new data from Brazilian population

Background Although the natural history of cervical and oral infection by human papillomavirus (HPV) has been intensely investigated, the ability of this virus to infect oral and genital mucosae in the same individual and its potential of communicability are still unclear. Objectives This study aimed at assessing the presence of oropharyngeal HPV infection in women with cervical lesions and in their current sexual partners in a Brazilian population. Methods It included a total of 65 patients, 43 women and 22 male partners. Medical history and the sociobehavioral profile were assessed through interviews that included the association of oropharyngeal HPV and the sexual behavior of patients, and also extra and intra-oral examinations were performed. Brushing was used to collect cells from the oropharyngeal mucosa. HPV DNA was checked through nested PCR with primers PGMY09/11 and GP5+/6+, and Pappilocheck to genotyping. Results Oropharyngeal HPV infection was detected in four of 65 (6.15%) cases, with one of 43 (2.3%) women, and three of 22 (13.6%) male partners. Clinically no patient showed HPV-related oral lesions. Pappilocheck assay showed the absence of HPV genotype commonly found in cervical mucosa. Moreover, there was no correlation between the presence of oropharyngeal HPV and sexual behavior risk factors. Conclusions The results suggest that the presence of cervical lesions does not lead to HPV oropharyngeal infection. It also highlights the low rate of HPV infection in the oropharyngeal mucosa of women with cervical lesions and their partners in a researched sample.