Cervical HPV Positivity Elevates the Risk for Oral HPV Infection: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Oncology
• Public Health

Background:

• Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection linked to various cancers.
• Oropharyngeal cancer incidence is rising, yet oral HPV screening lacks FDA recommendation due to low prevalence and no universal tool.
• Understanding the link between cervical and oral HPV is crucial for identifying at-risk populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the association between cervical and oral HPV infection in women.
• To identify specific subgroups of women at higher risk for oral HPV carriage.
• To inform potential screening strategies for oral HPV.

Main Methods:

• A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases.
• Forty-one analytical observational studies on oral HPV status in women with and without cervical HPV positivity were included.
• A random-effects model was used for meta-analysis of effect sizes (proportions, odds ratios) and subgroup analyses.

Main Results:

• Women with cervical HPV positivity had an odds ratio of 2.22 for oral HPV compared to those without cervical HPV.
• The prevalence of oral HPV was significantly higher in cervical HPV-positive women (13%) versus HPV-negative women (4%).
• Oral HPV prevalence was highest in cervical HPV-positive women with positive cytology (17%).

Conclusions:

• Cervical HPV positivity is associated with an elevated risk of oral HPV infection.
• Women with cervical HPV, particularly those with positive cytology, represent a key at-risk group for oral HPV.
• Consideration of oral HPV screening in women with cervical HPV is warranted, as 1 in 8 carries oral HPV.