Is Human Papilloma Virus Infection Linked to Periodontitis? A Narrative Review

• Published in: Current oral health reports Vol. 6; no. 1; pp. 22 - 30
• Main Authors: Ortiz, Ana P., Ramos-Cartagena, Jeslie M., García-Camacho, Sandra I., Andriankaja, Oelisoa M., Pérez, Cynthia M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing 01.03.2019; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Alcohol use; Bacteria; Biopsy; Cancer; Cross-sectional studies; Cytomegalovirus; Ethnicity; Flow cytometry; Gum disease; Human papillomavirus; Hypotheses; Infections; Inflammation; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery; Pathogens; Risk factors; Scandals; Section Editor; Smoking; Systemic Diseases (N Buduneli; Teeth; Tongue; Topical Collection on Systemic Diseases; Tumors; Viruses; Womens health; United States > US; Periodontitis; Oral cancer; Gingivitis; Oral human papillomavirus; oral human papillomavirus; gingivitis; oral cancer; periodontitis
• ISSN: 2196-3002; 2196-3002
• DOI: 10.1007/s40496-019-0206-6

Purpose of Review Research suggests that periodontal tissue might serve as a reservoir for oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, while another hypothesis is that chronic inflammation of the tissue might perpetuate an infection with oral HPV infection. In this narrative review, we summarize the evidence related to a potential association between oral HPV infection and periodontitis. Recent Findings Twelve articles were identified, and their key findings summarized. Studies vary in sample size, study population, study design, and methods for assessment of oral HPV and periodontitis. Although results are conflicting and still inconclusive, various studies have found an association between oral HPV infection and periodontitis, which is supported by biological plausibility. Summary Future longitudinal studies should further evaluate this association, using clinical definitions of oral HPV infection and periodontitis, and focusing on high-risk populations for oral HPV infection. Studying this association is important since periodontitis might help identify at-risk individuals for oral HPV infection and potentially HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers.