RESUMEN
PURPOSE: In the present study, we investigated the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA and viral types in 75 cases of oral squamous cells carcinoma from Brazil to obtain data that would contribute to a better understanding of the role of HPV in the pathogenesis of this tumor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: DNA was extracted from paraffin-embedded tissue and amplified by polymerase chain reaction using a pair of primers designated PCO3+ and PCO4+ for the detection of a fragment of the human beta-globin gene, followed by polymerase chain reaction for the detection of HPV DNA using a pair of generic primers, GP5+ and GP6+. Viral typing was performed by dot blot hybridization. RESULTS: Human papillomavirus DNA was detected in 18 (24%) of the 75 cases positive for the human beta-globin gene. No significant association was observed between HPV and age, sex, or anatomical location of the tumor. The most prevalent viral type was HPV-18 (77,8%). CONCLUSION: The low frequency of detection of HPV DNA in oral epidermoid carcinomas suggests a possible participation of the virus in the development and progression of only a subgroup of these tumors.