Work

Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection associated with cyclosporine-induced gingival overgrowth in renal transplant recipients

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: Immunosuppressive drugs may lead some individuals to develop gingival overgrowth abnormalities, which may be associated with HPV infection. Objective: This study investigated the frequency of HPV subtypes in renal transplant recipients (RTRs) and healthy volunteers (HC) to evaluate the influence of cyclosporine-induced (RT-GH+C) and tacrolimus-induced (RT+T) immunosuppression on oral lesions. Methods: hybridization. We included 68 RTRs patients and 44 HCs. Results: HPV-DNA frequency in gingival tissue and saliva was 2.53- and 2.24-fold higher in RTRs compared to HC with HPV-16 being the most frequent subtype among RTRs. We observed a higher HPV frequency in RTRs using cyclosporine compared to HC group with periodontal disease (HC-PD). However, no significant difference was found in the HPV-DNA frequency between RTRs treated with tacrolimus and HC. Conclusion: The high frequency of HPV infection observed in RTR patients using cyclosporine may be associated with the immunosuppression caused by this drug. However, since this is a cross-sectional study, the exposure and outcome are observed simultaneously; and therefore, they may not be related. In any case, we believe that oral lesions in these individuals should be monitored to prevent the development of malignant lesions, such as oral cancer.

Source: Journal of Oral Microbiology

DOI: 10.1080/20002297.2026.2640780