# Prevalence of Viruses in Odontogenic Cysts and Tumours: A systematic review of literature and meta-analysis

## TL;DR

This study reviews and analyzes the presence of viruses in dental cysts and tumors, finding a low prevalence of viruses like HPV and Epstein-Barr virus.

## Contribution

The study provides a systematic review and meta-analysis of virus prevalence in odontogenic cysts and tumors, highlighting their limited role in their development.

## Key findings

- HPV prevalence in ameloblastomas was 18.21% (95% CI: 6.36–33.73).
- HPV prevalence in odontogenic cysts was 1.51% (95% CI: 0.00–9.46).
- Epstein-Barr virus prevalence in odontogenic tumors was 17.19% (95% CI: 4.62–34.49).

## Abstract

This review aimed to assess the prevalence of oncogenic and non-oncogenic viruses in odontogenic cysts and tumours. A comprehensive database search was performed for published articles regarding the presence of viruses in all odontogenic cysts and tumours, following guidelines without date constraints, and was registered with PROSPERO. After screening 164 articles, 24 studies were included for systematic evaluation. A meta-analysis was performed to determine the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV), revealing an overall pooled prevalence of HPV in ameloblastomas of 18.21% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.36–33.73) while the prevalence of HPV in odontogenic cysts was found to be 1.51% (95% CI: 0.00–9.46). The prevalence of Epstein-Barr virus in odontogenic tumours was 17.19% (95% CI: 4.62–34.49). Other viruses yielded varied results. Human carcinogenesis has previously been positively correlated with viruses; however, this systematic review's results indicate a very low prevalence in odontogenic pathoses and suggest a limited role in their aetiology.