Prevalence and Molecular Insights of Human Papillomavirus in Dentigerous Cysts and Odontogenic Keratocysts: A Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND

No studies to date have examined human papillomavirus (HPV) positivity in both odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs) and dentigerous cysts (DCs) or performed HPV genotyping in these lesions. This research aims to compare HPV expression rates in DCs and OKCs to provide insight into the molecular behavior of OKCs.

METHODS

Forty DC and forty OKC cases were randomly selected and analyzed for HPV-DNA expression. Positive cases underwent HPV genotyping. Additionally an immunohistochemical staining for p16 was performed for each case.

RESULTS

Due to epithelial integrity loss or inflammation, 18 samples were excluded, leaving 32 DCs and 30 OKCs for evaluation. HPV was detected in five DC cases but absent in all OKC samples. The difference between DC and OKC groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.053). Genotyping identified HPV-16 in four cases and HPV-66 in one.

DISCUSSION: Despite OKCs' aggressive behavior, this study found no significant association between HPV and their pathogenesis. These findings suggest HPV is unlikely to contribute to OKC proliferation or recurrence, underscoring the need for larger studies to clarify its role in odontogenic cysts.