Detection of High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Genotypes 16 and 18 in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas in Jordan

Background: Recently, associations of the human papillomavirus (HPV) with head and neck cancer have become well established. Of particular concern, the severity and pathological outcomes of squamous cell carcinomas are remarkably affected by the genotypes of HPV present in such lesions. This study was conducted to investigate the occurrence of HPV genotypes, particularly high risk 16 and 18, among oral and laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas in Jordan. Methods: During the period of May 2015 to March 2016, we evaluated a total of 108 paraffin-embedded tissue samples, histologically confirmed as SCC, of both oral and laryngeal tumors for the presence of HPV DNA. DNA was extracted using a Zymogen commercial kit. HPV genotypes were detected by nested PCR using consensus primers followed by primer-specific PCR for HPV-16 and HPV-18 genotypes. The genotypes were confirmed by DNA sequencing methods. Results: Sixteen samples were positive for HPV DNA (14.8%) with higher rates in oral tumors compared to their laryngeal counterparts (20% and 6% respectively). The HPV-16 genotype predominated, being detected in 81.3% of the cases as a single infection and in 18.7% in combination with HPV-18. A significant association between the anatomical location and the HPV-16 genotype was observed (p < 0.05). In contrast, no significant associations could be established with tumor grade and gender or age. Conclusions: A relatively high rate of high-risk HPV genotypes, especially HPV 16, is evident in head and neck cancers SCCs in Jordan. Genotyping of HPV might be of considerable value for evaluation of progression.