Epstein-Barr Virus Serology Associated With Persistent Oral Human Papillomavirus Infections in Men

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Immunology
• Oncology

Background:

• Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are common infections.
• HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers are rising, particularly in men.
• The influence of EBV coinfection on oral HPV outcomes remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between EBV serology and the persistence of oral HPV infections in men.
• To explore how EBV infection status and antibody levels relate to longitudinal HPV outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal study of 119 men over 3 years.
• Collection of blood and oral samples at multiple time points.
• Measurement of oral HPV genotypes and EBV-specific antibodies (Zebra, EA-D, EBNA, VCAp18) using multiplex serology.

Main Results:

• Nearly all participants (99.2%) were EBV-seropositive with stable antibody titers.
• Elevated EBV EA-D antibody levels were associated with increased risk of oral HPV persistence (OR 6.23).
• High EBV antibody titers also increased the risk of oral HPV persistence (OR 4.20).

Conclusions:

• Most men in the study were EBV-seropositive.
• Elevated EA-D antibody levels and high EBV titers significantly increase the risk of type-specific oral HPV persistence.
• Findings highlight EBV's potential role in modulating oral HPV infection duration.