Background: Prevalence and risk factors for human papillomavirus (HPV) persistence in oral mucosa are

largely unknown. Furthermore, the antiviral effects of saliva in the outcome of oral HPV infections are

unexplored.



Objectives: To compare the levels of selected salivary defence proteins in women with a persistent oral

HPV infection and in those without any signs of oral HPV. Lifestyle factors including the use of oral

contraceptives, oral sex, smoking and alcohol drinking habits were also assessed.



Study design: This nested case–control study of the Finnish Family HPV Study included 60 women with a

persistent oral HPV infection and 117 women who remained HPV DNA negative throughout a 6-year

follow-up. Whole saliva samples and oral scrapings for HPV testing were collected at the same visit. The

oral HPV status was related to salivary concentrations of lactoferrin, lysozyme, IgA, IgG, total protein and

sodium as well as to the use of oral contraceptives, oral sex, smoking and alcohol drinking habits.



Results: Women with a persistent oral HPV infection had higher salivary levels of IgG (p = 0.007) and

lysozyme (p = 0.002, when adjusted to the total protein concentration), than those without an HPV

infection. Lactoferrin and IgA concentrations were not related to the HPV-status. Smoking increased the

risk of a persistent oral HPV infection (p = 0.020), but the oral HPV status was not related to other life-style

factors studied.



Conclusions: Smoking is a risk factor for a persistent oral HPV infection. Oral HPV infection may be

associated with increased concentrations of salivary IgG and lysozyme.