Oral HPV Infection Is Common

Such infection — associated with a form of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma — is present in 6.9% of the U.S. population aged 14 to 69.

Although the incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas linked to alcohol and tobacco use has been declining in the U.S., the incidence of such cancers linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) — primarily HPV type 16 — is increasing. Now, researchers have reported the results of the first population-based study of oral HPV prevalence in the U.S.

As part of the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey performed in 2009 and 2010, individuals aged 14 to 69 were questioned about their sexual behaviors. They were also asked to perform a 30-second oral rinse to provide samples for HPV DNA polymerase chain reaction and type-specific hybridization.

Among 5501 participants, the prevalence of oral HPV infection was 6.9% overall (3.7% …

Reviewing Author

Richard T. Ellison III, MD

Disclosures

Consult/Advisory BoardAcurx Pharmaceuticals, LLC;

Grant/Research SupportDoctors Company Foundation, Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Richard T. Ellison III, MD

Disclosures

Consult/Advisory BoardAcurx Pharmaceuticals, LLC;

Grant/Research SupportDoctors Company Foundation, Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Oral HPV Infection Is Common

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Reviewing Author