Salivary detection of high-risk human papillomavirus 16 in oral squamous cell carcinoma using polymerase chain reaction in the South Indian population.

INTRODUCTION: Human papilloma virus (HPV) has been associated with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) as a potential carcinogen. There are several types of HPV, of which type 16 has been strongly implicated in carcinogenesis. HPV16 in saliva can potentially facilitate early detection of subclinical cases that may warrant further diagnosis, monitoring and intervention. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of HPV 16 in saliva and lesional tissue of OSCC and to determine the use of saliva as an alternative non invasive diagnostic tool in HPV16 identification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 30 cases of Histopathologically confirmed OSCC with HPV positive on ELISA were taken up for the study. The tumour tissue and saliva sample of each patient were obtained to detect the presence of specific HPV16 genotype by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The data was subjected to statistical analysis using Student t-test. RESULTS: In our study we found 28/30, 26/30 positive for HPV 16 in tissue and saliva samples respectively on PCR analysis. The P value was statistically significant (0.00). CONCLUSION: The study revealed significant prevalence of HPV 16 among both tissue and salivary specimens of OSCC patients in south Indian population. Though, the yielded content was relatively less in saliva, it can be concluded that, saliva being a non invasive tool proved to be as useful as tissue specimen and can be used as an alternative indicator of HPV16 positivity in OSCC.

Awareness of COVID 19 pandemic among dental practioners of Telangana state, India: A cross sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus diseases (COVID-19) is a public health emergency of international concern. The dental professionals are considered to be at high risk, as most of the treatments may lead to the spread of infection due to direct proximity with saliva, blood and aerosols generation. AIM: The aim of the current study was to evaluate the awareness, regarding COVID19 pandemic among dental practioners in state of Telangana. MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY: A self-administered, structured, pilot-tested close-ended 20 point questionnaire,was distributed among the dental practioners in Telangana state. A total of 385 participants completed the questionnaire. Data obtained was analyzed using SPSS 22.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) for data analysis. RESULTS: Among 385 participants a total of 115 (29.9%) exhibited high level of knowledge while 167 (43.4%) demonstrated moderate knowledge and 103 (26.8%) demonstrated low level of knowledge. Mean knowledge score was 12.46 ± 2.47, minimum and maximum scores were 5 and 15 respectively among the dental practioners (DPs). CONCLUSION: All the respondents seem to have adequate knowledge regarding COVID19 and adoption of control measures to prevent the spread of COVID19. However, some deficiencies were noted. The, dentists, must be well informed of the recommended practices.Initiatives for attending webinars, continuing dental education programs on COVID19, have to be undertaken to keep them selves updated and be prepared with extra precautionary measures to be taken.