Oral HPV detection study

Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes some forms of oropharyngeal cancer. High risk HPV is detected in more than half of the patients with this form of cancer and HPV type 16 is the most common. HPV detection varies by the sample type method used. We looked at 3 sampling methods to see which method worked best.

Participants provided 3 samples for HPV detection and typing. The first sample was an oral rinse sample that involved swishing and gargling with 20 ml of a sterile saline solution in the mouth and throat cavity for 20 to 30 seconds and then spitting it into a sterile specimen cup. The second type was an oral rinse sample collected directly after each participant brushed their teeth with a new toothbrush that involved swishing and gargling with 20 ml of a sterile saline solution in the mouth and throat cavity for 20 to 30 seconds and then spitting it into a sterile specimen cup. Following use, the tooth brush was mixed in saline to obtain the third sample. Both oral rinse samples and the toothbrush sample detected HPV DNA in at least one sample among 45 (26%) of 173 HIV-positive men who have sex with men. HPV genotypes were detected in 80% of the before brushing rinse, 65% for the after brushing oral rinse, and 75% for the toothbrush samples.

The findings suggest that multiple sampling methods may be needed to maximize oral HPV detection