Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Oral and Dental Medicine - Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology

Background: Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is the most common malignancy of salivary glands and therefore the discovery of its etiopathogenesis would be of critical importance in its treatment and management. Cytomegalovirus is a common virus that shows tropism for salivary glands and its gene products can promote oncogenic events that directly implicated in malignant progression. In this study we aimed to detect the presence of human cytomegalovirus in mucoepidermoid carcinoma which could give idea about the role of this virus in the pathogenesis of this carcinoma. Material and Methods: 38 archival paraffin embedded specimens (8 normal salivary gland tissues, 30 MEC) were collected and classified into 20 low grade and 10 high grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Specimens were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization for evidence of hCMV antigens and nucleic acids. Results: We detected HCMV proteins and nucleic acids in all MEC specimens and its presence in 25% of normal salivary gland tissue (control group). Statistically significant difference between high grade, low grade and control group was observed (P<0.001). Conclusion: A strong association between MEC and hCMV was observed raising the possibility of the viral contribution in the pathogenesis of this carcinoma

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