Objective: The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with both malignant and benign diseases in the head and neck region. In several studies it has also been associated with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a disease with unknown origin, and viral antigens have been proposed as etiologic agents. Smoking and alcohol habits are known risk factors for oral cancer development. In this study, the prevalence of EBV in OSCC and OLP was investigated, along with the effect of smoking, alcohol use, and age on EBV prevalence.
Study design: We examined 29 patients with OSCC, 23 with OLP, and 67 with clinically healthy oral mucosa. For EBV DNA analysis, a nested polymerase chain reaction method was used.
Results: The overall EBV prevalence in patients with oral disease was 32.1%. Of the OSCC patients, 37.9% were EBV positive; and of the OLP patients, 26.1% were EBV positive. Both percentages were statistically significant compared with that of control patients (7.3%). The difference in EBV prevalence between the smoking control group and the nonsmoking control group was insignificant. Increased age did not enhance EBV prevalence.
Conclusions: This investigation shows that EBV is present in oral diseases such as OSCC and OLP. Smoking, alcohol use, or age does not seem to be a risk factor for EBV infection. The etiologic role of EBV in OSCC and OLP needs to be examined in a prospective follow-up study.