The prevalence of human papillomavirus and Epstein-Barr virus among laryngoscopy referrals in Northeastern Iran

Human papillomavirus (HPV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) are two common viruses that are considered to be associated with various head and neck cancers, including laryngeal cancer. Understanding the prevalence of these viruses in patients referred for laryngoscopy can provide valuable insights into the potential role of viral infections in the progression of laryngeal diseases. This information will help elucidate the role of these viruses in upper respiratory tract pathologies and guide future diagnostic and treatment strategies. This study aims to determine the prevalence of HPV, HPV types, and EBV in biopsy samples of patients referred for laryngoscopy in the Northeast of Iran. A total of 144 laryngeal biopsy samples with histopathological findings of polyps and squamous cell carcinoma were included in this study. HPV DNA identification and genotyping were carried out using the PCR with MY09/MY11 primer and nested PCR with the GP5+/6 + primer set and Real-Time PCR employing the AmpliSens® HPV HCR genotyping kit, respectively. EBV DNA detection was carried out using conventional PCR targeting the LMP1 gene. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS software and included Fisher’s exact test. The overall HPV prevalence was 10.4%, with higher rates observed in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) (18.0%) compared to noncancerous polyp (2.8%) samples, and a statistically significant difference was identified in this regard (P-value = 0.004). The most prevalent HPV types were HPV 33 (4.2%) and 39 (2.7%). Significant associations were observed between HPV positivity and age (≤ 50 years), smoking, and opium addiction status, supporting the role of these factors in viral prevalence and potential disease progression. Also, EBV was detected in 2.8% of the samples (5.5% of LSCC and 0% of polyp samples). The prevalence of HPV infection was significantly higher in LSCC samples than in polyp samples among Iranian patients, with the main types being 33 and 39. Also, EBV was solely identified in LSCC samples.