Molecular Detection of Herpes Simplex Virus Types [1 and 2] in Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) in Khartoum Dental Education Hospital

Background: Oral Squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most frequent oral cavity malignancy accounting for over 90% of oral cancers. The aim of this study was to detect of Herpes simplex virus types [1 and 2] in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC).

Methodology: Paraffin embedded well differentiated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma tissues and benign lesions from 50 patients attending the Cancer Department in Khartoum Dental Education Hospital during 2015-2016, were examined for the presence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 genes using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Ethical approval was obtained from Al Neelain University research ethical bord and informed consent was taken from patients after full explanation of the purpose of the study.

Results: Out of a total 50 samples: among 40 OSCC paraffin-embedded tissues specimens, HSV-1 and HSV-2 were identified in 3 (7.5%) and 6 (15%) of samples respectively. While 2 (5%) samples were co-infected with HSV type 1 and 2. Among 10 benign tumors specimens 1 (10%) sample was positive for both HSV types 1 and 2 (co-infection).

Conclusion: This study showed a higher prevalence of HSV-2 compared with HSV-1. Further studies are needed to investigate relationship between HSV-2 and behavioral factors (smoking, tobacco and alcohol use, or change of sexual behaviors) in developing of OSCC.