Presence of human papilloma viruses in intraosseous ameloblastoma

Purpose: This study investigated the possibility that human papilloma virus (HPV) is a possible etiologic agent in the development of ameloblastoma. Materials and Methods: DNA was extracted from 18 formalin-fixed, paraffin-e mbedded biopsy specimens and assayed for the presence of HPV DNA by PCR usi ng the L1 consensus primer and specific primers for HPV types 6/11, 16 and 18. Results: Eight samples (67%) were positive far HPV. Of the 8 HPV-positive s amples, 7 were positive for HPV 18. Four of the HPV 18-positive samples wer e also positive for HPV 6/11. One HPV-positive sample was not positive for any of the type-specific primers. Conclusions: No conclusions can be drawn about the etiologic role of HPV fr om this study, but surgical manipulation is suggested to be one of the reas ons for HPV presence attributable to contamination from the surface mucosal epithelium in these tumors. (C) 2000 American Association of Oral and Maxi llofacial Surgeons.