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Original Research
Prevalence and genotypes of HPV in pre-invasive ocular surface squamous neoplasia in Pretoria
Submitted: 18 July 2024 | Published: 17 April 2025
About the author(s)
Lucia N. Mhlongo, Department of Anatomical Pathology, School of Medicine, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa; and, Dr George Mukhari Academic Laboratory, National Health Laboratory Service, Pretoria, South AfricaMoshawa C. Khaba, Department of Anatomical Pathology, School of Medicine, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa; and, Dr George Mukhari Academic Laboratory, National Health Laboratory Service, Pretoria, South Africa
Ramokone L. Lebelo, Dr George Mukhari Academic Laboratory, National Health Laboratory Service, Pretoria, South Africa; and, Department of Medical Virology, School of Medicine, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
Cornelius M. Nkosi, Department of Hand and Microsurgery, School of Medicine, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
Abstract
Background: Pre-invasive ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) are tumours of the ocular surface that include squamous neoplasms arising from the conjunctiva and the cornea, characterised by a multifactorial aetiopathogenesis. The role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in the aetiopathogenesis of OSSN is still controversial.
Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and genotypes of HPV in pre-invasive OSSN samples.
Setting: The study setting was a tertiary laboratory in Northern Pretoria, South Africa, from 01 January 2012 to 31 December 2016.
Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study that utilised 58 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens of previously diagnosed pre-invasive OSSN cases. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and molecular pathology techniques were used to detect HPV and data analysis was conducted using STATA statistical software.
Results: The study sample had a higher proportion of females (60.3%; 35/58) compared to males (39.7%; 23/58) with an overall mean age of 41.8 ± 10.82 years. Human papillomavirus was detected in 20.7% (12/58) using IHC, 0% (0/58) by chromogenic in situ hybridisation, 19.0% (11/58) by linear array (LA) and 17.2% (10/58) by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The HPV genotype commonly detected by LA and RT-PCR was HPV 16 at 12.1% and 8.6%, respectively.
Conclusion: A minimal proportion of OSSN cases tested positive for HPV, predominantly exhibiting oncogenic high-risk HPV 16 positivity. The role of HPV in the oncogenesis of OSSN remains controversial.
Contribution: This study contributes valued insights about HPV involvement in OSSN oncogenesis and HPV detection techniques in FFPE samples.
Keywords
Sustainable Development Goal
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