Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026
RNAscope for In situ Detection of Transcriptionally Active Human Papillomavirus in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Published on: March 11, 2014
Survey of sinonasal inverted papillomata for Epstein-Barr virus
S T Dunn1, G D Clark, T C Cannon
1Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City 73190, USA.
Background:
Several studies have indicated an etiologic role for viruses in the development of sinonasal inverted papillomata (IP). A recent report demonstrates a strong relationship (65%) between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and these lesions using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis.
Methods:
The present study analyzes a series of paraffin-embedded tissues, comprising 25 surgically resected IPs and four fungiform papillomata (FP) for the presence of EBV using a sensitive in situ hybridization (ISH) assay and PCR.
Results:
None of the specimens examined showed evidence of EBV infection by ISH, and only two papillomata (one sinonasal IP and one FP) gave positive reactions for EBV using PCR.
Conclusions:
These data challenge the previous report and suggest that EBV is not a significant etiopathologic factor to be considered in the development of sinonasal IP.
Insights
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is not a significant cause of sinonasal inverted papillomata (IP). This study found minimal evidence of EBV in IP lesions, challenging previous research.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Virology
- Pathology
Background:
- Sinonasal inverted papillomata (IP) are tumors where a viral etiology has been suspected.
- Previous research suggested a strong association between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and IP development (65% correlation).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in sinonasal inverted papillomata (IP) and fungiform papillomata (FP).
- To evaluate the role of EBV as an etiopathologic factor in sinonasal IP.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 25 surgically resected sinonasal IPs and 4 FPs using paraffin-embedded tissues.
- Detection of EBV using sensitive in situ hybridization (ISH) assay and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Main Results:
- No specimens showed evidence of EBV infection via ISH.
- Only two papillomata (one IP, one FP) tested positive for EBV using PCR.
Conclusions:
- The findings challenge previous reports linking EBV to sinonasal IP.
- EBV is unlikely to be a significant etiopathologic factor in the development of sinonasal IP.
