Profiling of oral microbiome in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and healthy controls of oropharnygeal mucosa

Background The microbiome of the oropharyngeal mucosa is diverse and is a factor influencing the carcinogenesis of OSCC that should not be underestimated.

Material and methods In the period from 08/2018 to 05/2021, a microbial DNA smear of the oropharynx was carried out in patients who were treated at the ENT University Clinic in Münster primarily for an OSCC or for other genesis in the head and neck area. This was followed by DNA extraction and next generation sequencing by amplification and sequencing of the V1V2 regions of the microbial 16 S rDNA.

Alpha diversity was analyzed using the Shannon and Simpson Diversity Index and the Pielous Eveness Index. Differently distributed taxa (sequence, genus and species level) were determined by the Mann-Whitney test. Differences in the presence/absence of specific taxa were assessed using Fisher's exact test.

Results 112 patients were included in the study (65 OSCC with 22 HPV +, 57 healthy controls). The alpha diversity measured using the Shannon and Simpson Index from OSCC at the sequence, genus and species level is significantly reduced in contrast to healthy controls of the oropharynx (p <0.01). The smoke and HPV status showed no significant influence on diversity. In comparison, Streptococcus, Prevotella and Fusobacteria predominated in the healthy oropharyngeal mucosa, whereas proteobacteria and Bacteroides were underrepresented in OPSCC.

Conclusion The diversity of the microbiome at different taxa levels differs significantly between OSCC and healthy controls. The profiling represents the basis for further analysis of the individual taxa as carcinogens of the OSCC.

Publikationsverlauf

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
24. Mai 2022