Non-invasive saliva-based screening of high-risk Human Papilloma Virus 16 and 18 in healthy young adults and creating awareness about its vaccination

CONTEXT: Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) has not only been linked with cervical cancer but also a key player in other types including oral cancer. Vaccine against HPV has shown promising outcomes in protection against cervical cancer. It is suggested that the same vaccine may be a safeguard against oral cancer as well. Since prevalence of oral cancer is on rise because of various reasons besides high-risk sexual behavior, its prevention becomes equally important. AIM: Study aimed at screening saliva samples of healthy young adults to detect the presence of HPV with an intention to increase awareness regarding HPV and its vaccination. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The study was executed in the department of Biochemistry, AIIMS, Patna. This cross-sectional study included 100 consented healthy undergraduate medical and nursing students. METHODS AND MATERIAL: We isolated DNA from all saliva samples, amplified using multiplex PCR and gel electrophoresed to screen HPV 16 and 18. Feedback about the study in creating awareness regarding HPV and its vaccine was conducted using three-point Likert scale. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The collected responses were entered in Microsoft excel. The results were expressed in frequency and percentages. RESULTS: All saliva samples screened were found negative for HPV 16 and 18 DNA. Responses from feedback showed improved knowledge and awareness about the HPV and its vaccine among the participants. CONCLUSION: Even all the saliva samples tested were found negative for HPV DNA, the screening of high-risk HPV in saliva of young medical and nursing students generated curiosity among them to know more about HPV and its vaccine. This exercise may have helped in increasing the acceptance of HPV vaccine and the awareness of getting it at their ideal age to be benefited with dual protection, from oral and cervical (in case of females) cancers lifelong.