Immunohistochemical Detection of Ebv in Oral Leukoplakia.

Abstract

Background & Objectives:Oral Leukoplakia (OL) has multifactorial etiology with tobacco being the major etiological factor; however other factors can also influence its prognosis. The association of Epstein Barr virus (EBV) in etiology of OL is being investigated as it can cause proliferation of oral squamous epithelium after reactivation by tobacco use. Hence, the study was aimed to detect Epstein Barr virus antigen expressivity in oral leukoplakia by immunohistochemistry. Methods: 60 cases of oral leukoplakia were selected according to selection criteria and were subjected to incisional biopsy, followed by histopathological grading, OLEP staging and immunohistochemical staining for detection of EBV expressivity. The obtained values of these parameters were tabulated, statistically analyzed and observations were drawn. Results: Non-homogenous leukoplakia was significantly associated with strong EBV expressivity. Also, moderate epithelial dysplasia was significantly associated with moderate as well as strong EBV expression (p value <. 05). Conclusion:The present study demonstrated the presence of EBV expressivity in various clinical forms of oral leukoplakia and with higher grades of epithelial dysplasia.