Detection of high-risk human papillomavirus in the tonsils of galilee region adults and young adults undergoing tonsillectomy

Introduction: The presence of high-risk HPV in non-malignant tonsil tissues from patients who underwent tonsillectomy in the Galilee area might explain the low incidence of HPV-related oropharyngeal malignancy in the country. The aim of this retrospective study was to study the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in non-malignant tonsillectomy specimens of adults in the Galilee area. Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of all tonsil samples in our medical center. Tonsils from patients over 20 years of age who underwent tonsillectomy for the indication of recurrent tonsillitis and sleep apneas were eligible. Samples of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tonsillar tissue were tested for the presence of HPV DNA using polymerase chain reaction and by p16 immunohistochemistry. Results: Of the 71 tonsil samples, age range 20–65, none were positive for HPV DNA. Fifty-two FFPE specimens of tonsil with HPV-positive cancer tested positive by the same method served as positive controls. Conclusions: HPV DNA is rare in non-malignant tonsil tissues of young adults and adults who underwent tonsillectomy in the Galilee area. Further research should be done in larger cohorts.