Detection of <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> and Human Papillomavirus in Peroperative Tissue Biopsies Collected from Malignancies in Oropharyngeal Area

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori has been reported as pathogen of human GIT. It is associated with type B gastritis and peptic ulcers. Bacterium´s relationship to cancer has also been declared and H. pylori considered cancer-inductor. A number of studies documented H. pylori residence in oropharynx, generating hypotheses on participation in development of cancer in oropharyngeal area. Human papillomaviruses are DNA viruses colonizing skin and mucoid membranes of the host. Their oncogenic potential, especially in genitourinary system, has been confirmed. High-risk type HPV16 (group A9) is frequently reported as cancer-inductor in oropharyngeal area. The aim of this study is to contribute to discussions on induction of malignancies in oropharyngeal area, providing comparison of incidence of one bacterial and one viral pathogen in the cells and tissues of oropharyngeal neoplasia. Using real-time PCR-based tests, we investigated 70 tissue specimens collected during cancer surgery for detection of bacterial DNA of Helicobacter pylori and viral DNA of High risk HPV (groups A9, A7 and A5/6). Results: Helicobacter pylori DNA was detected in 60 samples (85.7%), while DNA of HPV only in 42 (60%). If focused on HPV-16 as proposed cancer inductor, it was detected in 34 samples (48.5%) only. No DNA of respective agents was detected in 7 samples (10%). There were 21 Helicobacter sole pathogen detections compared with only 3 of HPV. Conclusions: There is no doubt, Helicobacter pylori is a long-term resident in oropharynx and tonsils. This residence most likely influences functions of immune system, so that a newly entering contributor could switch-on the process resulting in cancer development. This could support high incidence of common detection of HPV and Helicobacter pylori in 39 samples (55.7%).