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Despite their clonality, intracellular bacterial pathogens commonly show remarkable physiological heterogeneity during infection of host cells. Physiological heterogeneity results in distinct ultrastructural morphotypes, but the correlation between bacterial physiological state and ultrastructural appearance remains to be established. In this study, we showed that individual cells of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium are heterogeneous in their ultrastructure. Two morphotypes based on the criterion of cytoplasmic density were discriminated after growth under standard culture conditions, as well as during intracellular lifestyle in mammalian host cells. We identified environmental conditions which affect cytoplasmic densities. Using compounds generating oxygen radicals and defined mutant strains, we were able to link the occurrence of an electron-dense ultrastructural morphotype to exposure to oxidative stress and other stressors. Furthermore, by combining ultrastructural analyses of Salmonella during infection and fluorescence reporter analyses for cell viability, we provided evidence that two characterized ultrastructural morphotypes with electron-lucent or electron-dense cytoplasm represent viable cells. Moreover, the presence of electron-dense types is stress related and can be experimentally induced only when amino acids are available in the medium. Our study proposes ultrastructural morphotypes as marker for physiological states of individual intracellular pathogens providing a new marker for single cell analyses.

Mislocalisation of tau occurs in several neurodegenerative diseases and is thought to contribute to synaptic function. The authors show that presynaptically, tau binds to synaptic vesicles via the N-terminus which contributes to synaptic dysfunction.

Accumulation of insoluble Tau protein aggregates and stereotypical propagation of Tau pathology through the brain are common hallmarks of tauopathies, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Propagation of Tau pathology appears to occur along connected neurons, but whether synaptic contacts between neurons are facilitating propagation has not been demonstrated. Using quantitative in vitro models, we demonstrate that, in parallel to non-synaptic mechanisms, synapses, but not merely the close distance between the cells, enhance the propagation of Tau pathology between acceptor hippocampal neurons and Tau donor cells. Similarly, in an artificial neuronal network using microfluidic devices, synapses and synaptic activity are promoting neuronal Tau pathology propagation in parallel to the non-synaptic mechanisms. Our work indicates that the physical presence of synaptic contacts between neurons facilitate Tau pathology propagation. These findings can have implications for synaptic repair therapies, which may turn out to have adverse effects by promoting propagation of Tau pathology.

Presynaptic densities are specialized structures involved in synaptic vesicle tethering and neurotransmission; however, the mechanisms regulating their function remain understudied. In Drosophila, Bruchpilot is a major constituent of the presynaptic density that tethers vesicles. Here, we show that HDAC6 is necessary and sufficient for deacetylation of Bruchpilot. HDAC6 expression is also controlled by TDP-43, an RNA-binding protein deregulated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Animals expressing TDP-43 harboring pathogenic mutations show increased HDAC6 expression, decreased Bruchpilot acetylation, larger vesicle-tethering sites, and increased neurotransmission, defects similar to those seen upon expression of HDAC6 and opposite to hdac6 null mutants. Consequently, reduced levels of HDAC6 or increased levels of ELP3, a Bruchpilot acetyltransferase, rescue the presynaptic density defects in TDP-43-expressing flies as well as the decreased adult locomotion. Our work identifies HDAC6 as a Bruchpilot deacetylase and indicates that regulating acetylation of a presynaptic release-site protein is critical for maintaining normal neurotransmission.

The growing incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) calls for better understanding of the mutational landscape of such cases. Mucins (MUCs) are multifunctional glycoproteins expressed by the epithelial cells and may be associated with the epithelial tumour invasion and progression. The present study aimed at the analysis of the sequence of selected MUC6 and MUC16 gene fragments in the tumour, as well as the margin, samples obtained from 18 OPSCC patients. Possible associations between the detected mutations and the clinicopathological and demographic characteristics of the study group were analysed. Sanger sequencing and bioinformatic data analysis of the selected MUC6 and MUC16 cDNA fragments were performed. Our study found 13 and 3 mutations in MUC6 and MUC16, respectively. In particular, one novelty variant found that the MUC6 gene (chr11:1018257 A>T) was the most frequent across our cohort, in both the tumour and the margin samples, and was then classified as a high impact, stop-gain mutation. The current study found novel mutations in MUC6 and MUC16 providing new insight into the genetic alternation in mucin genes among the OPSCC patients. Further studies, including larger cohorts, are recommended to recognise the pattern in which the mutations affect oropharyngeal carcinogenesis.

Background: E2F transcription factor 2 (E2F2), murine double minute 2 (MDM2) and p16 are some of the key proteins associated with the control of the cell cycle. The aim of this study was to evaluate E2F2, MDM2 and p16 concentrations in the tumour and margin samples of oral squamous cell carcinoma and to assess their association with some selected sociodemographic and clinicopathological characteristics of the patients. Methods: The study group consisted of 73 patients. Protein concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: There were no statistically significant differences in the levels of E2F2, MDM2 or p16 in the tumour samples as compared to the margin specimens. We found that patients with N0 showed significantly lower E2F2 concentrations than patients with N1 in the tumour samples and the median protein concentration of E2F2 was higher in HPV-negative patients in the tumour samples. Moreover, the level of p16 in the margin samples was lower in alcohol drinkers as compared to non-drinkers. Similar observations were found in concurrent drinkers and smokers compared to non-drinkers and non-smokers. Conclusions: E2F2 could potentially promote tumour progression and metastasis. Moreover, our results showed a differential level of the analysed proteins in response to alcohol consumption and the HPV status.

Background: Aberrant DNA methylation is a common epigenetic modification in cancers, including oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Therefore, the analysis of methylation levels appears necessary to improve cancer therapy and prognosis. Methods: The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to analyse global DNA methylation levels in OPSCC and OSCC tumours and the margin samples after DNA isolation. HPV detection was conducted by hybridisation using GenoFlow HPV Array Test Kits (DiagCor Bioscience Inc., Hong Kong, China). EBV detection was performed using real-time PCR with an EBV PCR Kit (EBV/ISEX/100, GeneProof, Brno, Czech Republic). Results: OPSCC tumour samples obtained from women showed lower global DNA methylation levels than those from men (1.3% vs. 3.5%, p = 0.049). The margin samples from OPSCC patients with HPV and EBV coinfection showed global DNA methylation lower than those without coinfection (p = 0.042). G3 tumours from OSCC patients had significantly lower levels of global DNA methylation than G2 tumours (0.98% ± 0.74% vs. 3.77% ± 4.97%, p = 0.010). Additionally, tumours from HPV-positive OSCC patients had significantly lower global DNA methylation levels than those from HPV-negative patients (p = 0.013). In the margin samples, we observed a significant negative correlation between global DNA methylation and the N stage of OSCC patients (rS = −0.33, p = 0.039). HPV-positive OPSCC patients had higher global DNA methylation levels than HPV-positive OSCC patients (p = 0.015). Conclusion: We confirmed that methylation could be changed in relation to viral factors, such as HPV and EBV, as well as clinical and demographical parameters.

ABSTRACT The yeast strain Yarrowia lipolytica IPS 21 was tested for its ability to degrade potentially toxic chrome-tanned leather shavings (CTLS) in a liquid environment. Biological and chemical parameters were monitored during a 48-h period of biotransformation of the protein-rich waste. CTLS was added at a concentration of 0.1–4% (wt/wt) to a modified YPG medium (15 g L−1 yeast extract and 5 g L−1 NaCl). Biodegradation and bioconversion were performed in a one-step process. It was found that the higher degradation rate depended on the activity of the proteases and the pH of the medium, but not on the initial inoculum ratio and the activity of the dehydrogenase. The highest efficiency of the process was obtained for 4% (wt/wt) CTLS on day 2 (degradation rate 58–67%, biomass production 2.11–2.20 g L−1, protease activity 312 U mg−1 protein, and pH 9.20). Our results showed that total chromium was probably not transported across the cytoplasmic membrane of Y. lipolytica IPS21 and that chromium (III) was not oxidized to chromium (VI). The phytotoxicity of selected amino acid supernatants [2.5% (vol/vol)] was tested after the bioconversion process. It was found that the supernatants had a stimulating effect on the plants tested. The root elongation was 29–28% higher than that of the reference samples. This result makes Y. lipolytica IPS21 a potential candidate for safely converting potentially toxic protein-rich wastes into valuable products without enzyme isolation, e.g., amino acid fertilizers. IMPORTANCE Enzyme technologies have the greatest practical relevance to environmental trends. Overcoming the barrier of the high cost of carbon substrates used for biotransformation is the main challenge of these methods. The huge potential of the use of extracellular proteases of Yarrowia species or amino acids in various industries indicates the need for the extension of basic research on waste as a carbon source for this yeast. The experiments demonstrated that it is possible to use Y. lipolytica IPS21 for bioconversion of chrome-tanned leather shavings (CTLS) in a single-step process and to produce high-value amino acid supernatant without having an isolated enzyme. In our study, we show the effect of 2.5% (vol/vol) CTLS supernatant obtained from Y. lipolytica IPS21 on the elongation of the root system of selected plants and provide information on the effect of environmental factors on the efficiency of the bioconversion and the migration of chromium.

Background The SARS-CoV-2 virus, causing acute respiratory disease, is responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, which began in early 2020. In addition to symptoms typical of respiratory tract infections, the virus causes a number of non-specific, often long-lasting effects that hinder the daily functioning of individuals. The aim of the study was a subjective assessment of life quality and health perception among recovered COVID-19 patients. Material and Methods The study included 337 subjects who had been infected with SARS-CoV-2 confirmed by a positive RT-PCR test. The study participants were of legal age. The convalescents completed a questionnaire that contained 26 questions about gender, height, body weight, blood type, general and specific symptoms, comorbidities, hospital stay and duration of specific symptoms, the severity of which was assessed on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The subjects determined whether the COVID-19 infection influenced their health perception and life quality. Results According to 46% of the respondents, COVID-19 had an impact on their quality of life and health. The chance for patients to notice the negative effects of COVID-19 on their current health status and life quality increased with each subsequent symptom of the disease by 49%, with each day of its occurrence by 3%, and with each VAS point of the severity of all infection symptoms by 30%. Conclusions The study shows that COVID-19 disease affects life quality and overall health perception after recovery. Significant impact of COVID-19 on the quality of life should be a signal to create mental support and rehabilitation programs for convalescents to minimize discomfort and shorten the duration of absenteeism from work. Med Pr. 2022;73(6):449–56

RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: The aim of the article is to consider the presence and significance of the body in designing and conducting remote (online) ethnographic (field research) studies. THE RESEARCH PROBLEM AND METHODS: The research problem refers to answering the following question: What is the significance of corporeality in conducting remote (online) studies? In attempting to answer the research question we made use of autoethnography, treating it as method and research strategy. THE PROCESS OF ARGUMENTATION: Inspired by the conclusions drawn by Anna Kacperczyk regarding ways of defining corporeality in ethnographic studies, the authors intend to present their reflections regarding their own research conducted in virtual space in 2021. These considerations refer to studies on academic education during the pandemic. RESEARCH RESULTS: Reflections on corporeality in ethnographic studies allowed us to frame our experiences in three dimensions (perspectives): the body as a source of individual corpore- al experiences, the body (corporeality) of the researcher and of the respondent during an ethno- graphic study and the body as a topic of individual self-reflection and as a subject for theorizing. CONCLUSIONS, INNOVATIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS: (Non)corporeality turned out to be ambiguous, thus we decided to treat it in a multidimensional manner, considering corporeality as a value regardless of the circumstances of the study (in-person vs online). The significance and role of the body in ethnographic studies conducted remotely (online) are equally important to those in studies conducted in-person (traditionally). In remote studies corporeality is restricted to some extent for both researcher and respondent, however, focusing on other sensory impressions (e.g. auditory) allows us to experience another dimension of corporeality.

Introduction COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019), a disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) infection, may have a more or less severe course. The aim of this study was to analyse the symptoms which occurred in a group of people who tested positively for the presence of the genetic material of the virus Material and methods The analysis was based on the results of 337 questionnaires collected from Polish patients – 185 (55%) females and 152 (45%) males aged 18–86. The questionnaire included 26 questions, of which 11 were related to systemic symptoms. The frequency of their occurrence and their severity were determined according to Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Results The most common symptoms that occurred in over 50% of the respondents included: general weakness (91% of the respondents, severity of 6.25 on VAS), musculoskeletal pain (77%, VAS 5.67), headache (65%, VAS 5.37) and cough (56%, VAS 4.76). Runny nose, fever above 38℃ and sore throat were less common and occurred in 39% of the subjects. The least frequent symptoms were diarrhoea (23%), skin lesions (7%) and vomiting (3%). When determining the correlation coefficient, it was also found that dyspnoea occurred most often with general weakness (r = 1), whereas general weakness was less frequently associated with musculoskeletal pain (r = 0.8). No statistically significant relationships were found between the frequency of the symptoms and age, gender or the presence of comorbidities in the respondents. Conclusions The observations showed that in the analysed group of people with SARS-CoV-2 infection, the disease had a mild-to-moderate course. General weakness, musculoskeletal pain, cough, and upper respiratory tract infection symptoms were the most common.

Background: Actinomyces is a genus of Gram-positive anaerobic or microaerophilic bacteria with a branched filamentous shape. Their presence in tonsil tissue is usually determined by histopathological examination. In the crypts of removed tonsils, they have a prevalence ranging from 0.8% to 61.6%. The role of Actinomyces in diseases of the palatine tonsils is not clearly defined. The aim of the study was to determine the importance of Actinomyces in the pathology of palatine tonsils and to assess the impact of these bacteria on the clinical data. Methods: the retrospective analysis of the histopathological findings of patients undergoing tonsillectomy in our hospital from January 2017 to the end of December 2019 was performed in terms of the occurrence of Actinomyces. The data were collected based on the medical history. The study included 481 patients aged 3–82 years. From the study group, 100 adult patients were randomly selected, and a telephone survey was conducted. The questions included the co-occurrence of bronchial asthma, halitosis, tonsilloliths, and cigarette smoking. The questions were related to the complications following tonsillectomy and the severity of postoperative pain. Existence of a relationship was investigated between occurrence of tonsillar Actinomyces and age, sex, body mass index, and medical condition (obstructive sleep apnea, chronic palatine tonsillitis), respectively. The size of the removed tonsils was assessed and compared depending on the presence of the bacteria. Results: patients aged 18 years and older had a higher probability of presenting Actinomyces. The estimated odds ratio for the presence of the bacteria per year of age was 1.023 [1.007, 1.041]. No statistically significant results were found for the other variables. The co-occurrence of the bacteria and halitosis was close to statistical significance (p = 0.064). Conclusions: multivariate analysis of the role of Actinomyces in tonsillar pathology showed that these microorganisms should be considered saprophytes of the oropharyngeal microflora that had no significant relationship with the pathology of palatine tonsils. Further studies on their influence on halitosis are warranted.

MiRNAs could play an important role in tumorigenesis and progression. The oncoprotein MDM2 (murine double minute 2) was identified as a negative regulator of the tumour suppressor p53. This study aims to analyse the expression of the MDM2 target miRNA candidates (miR-3613-3p, miR-371b-5p and miR-3658) and the MDM2 gene in oral squamous cell carcinoma tumour and margin samples and their association with the selected socio-demographic and clinicopathological characteristics. The study group consisted of 50 patients. The miRNAs and MDM2 gene expression levels were assessed by qPCR. The expression analysis of the miRNAs showed the expression of only one of them, i.e., miR-3613-3p. We found no statistically significant differences in the miR-3613-3p expression in tumour samples compared to the margin samples. When analysing the effect of smoking on miR-3613-3p expression, we demonstrated a statistically significant difference between smokers and non-smokers. In addition, we showed an association between the miR-3613-3p expression level and some clinical parameters in tumour samples (T, N and G). Our study demonstrates that miR-3613-3p overexpression is involved in the tumour progression of OSCC. This indicates that miR-3613-3p possesses potential prognostic values.

Abstract Head and neck tumors can be very challenging to treat because of the risk of problems or complications after surgery. Therefore, prompt and accurate diagnosis is extremely important to drive appropriate treatment decisions, which may reduce the chance of recurrence. This paper presents the original research exploring the feasibility of Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and Raman spectroscopy (RS) methods to investigate biochemical alterations upon the development of the pleomorphic adenoma. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used for a detailed assessment of the observed changes and to determine the spectroscopic basis for salivary gland neoplastic pathogenesis. It is implied that within the healthy margin, as opposed to the tumoral tissue, there are parts that differ significantly in lipid content. This observation shed new light on the crucial role of lipids in tissue physiology and tumorigenesis. Thus, a novel approach that eliminates the influence of lipids on the elucidation of biochemical changes is proposed. The performed analysis suggests that the highly heterogeneous healthy margin contains more unsaturated triacylglycerols, while the tumoral section is rich in proteins. The difference in protein content was also observed for these two tissue types, i.e. the healthy tissue possesses more proteins in the anti-parallel β-sheet conformation, whereas the tumoral tissue is dominated by proteins rich in unordered random coils. Furthermore, the pathogenic tissue shows a higher content of carbohydrates and reveals noticeable differences in nucleic acid content. Finally, FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy methods were proposed as very promising methods in the discrimination of tumoral and healthy tissues of the salivary gland.

Bilateral vestibular hypofunction (BVH) is a rare disorder of the peripheral part of the balance organ, which may cause chronic vertigo and oscillopsia accompanying body movements. The chronic and severe nature of the symptoms and difficulties in maintaining balance and performing precise movements may cause the patient’s withdrawal from professional activity. A frequently long period from the onset of the symptoms to the diagnosis of BVH, which should be based on the objective examination of the peripheral part of the vestibular organ, drastically reduces the chances of improving the patient’s precise movement motility and significantly deteriorates the quality of life. Due to the fact that this disease most often affects professionally active patients in the sixth decade of their life, it can become the cause of a loss of the source of income. The publication presents a case report and examination methods of a patient with BVH caused by the administration of gentamicin in the course of phlegmon of the thumb. The case analysis was performed on the basis of a literature review on the diagnosis and treatment of patients with BVH. Med Pr. 2021;72(2):185–92

Recent studies identified viral and bacterial factors, including HSV-1 and H. pylori, as possible factors associated with diseases such as chronic tonsillitis and cancers, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We assessed the prevalence of HSV-1/2 and H. pylori in patients with HNSCC, chronic tonsillitis, and healthy individuals using PCR after DNA isolation. Associations were sought between the presence of HSV-1, H. pylori, and clinicopathological and demographic characteristics and stimulant use. HSV-1 and H. pylori were most frequently identified in controls (HSV-1: 12.5% and H. pylori: 6.3%). There were 7 (7.8%) and 8 (8.6%) patients with positive HSV-1 in HNSCC and chronic tonsillitis patients, respectively, while the prevalence of H. pylori was 0/90 (0%) and 3/93 (3.2%), respectively. More cases of HSV-1 were observed in older individuals in the control group. All positive HSV-1 cases in the HNSCC group were associated with advanced tumor stage (T3/T4). The prevalence of HSV-1 and H. pylori was highest in the controls compared to HNSCC and chronic tonsillitis patients, which indicates that the pathogens were not risk factors. However, since all positive HSV-1 cases in the HNSCC group were observed only in patients with advanced tumor stage, we suggested a possible link between HSV-1 and tumor progression. Further follow-up of the study groups is planned.

Background and objectives: Osteoporosis and vitamin D3 deficiency may be risk factors of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of osteoporosis and 25(OH) vitamin D3 deficiency in a group of patients with idiopathic benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Materials and Methods: Thirty-five patients (twenty-eight women and seven men) with posterior semicircular canal BPPV were enrolled in the study. The subjects underwent hearing assessment (tonal audiometry and impedance audiometry) and the Dix-Hallpike maneuver. Serum 25(OH) vitamin D3 levels were determined and lumbar spine bone densitometry was performed. The relationships between sex, age, height, Body Mass Index (BMI), vitamin D3 levels and bone densitometry results were assessed. Results: The diagnosis of osteoporosis was confirmed in 1 patient (3%), 3 subjects were osteopenic (8.6%), and normal bone densitometry was found in 31 (88.6%) patients. Conclusions: We found no statistically significant relationships between age, BMI or vitamin D3 levels and bone densitometry results in patients with idiopathic BPPV.

It is known that E2F2 (E2F transcription factor 2) plays an important role as controller in the cell cycle. This study aimed to analyse the expression of the E2F2 gene and E2F2 protein and demonstrate E2F2 target microRNAs (miRNAs) candidates (miR-125b-5p, miR-155-3p, and miR-214-5p) in oral squamous cell carcinoma tumour and margin samples. The study group consisted 50 patients. The E2F2 gene and miRNAs expression levels were assessed by qPCR, while the E2F2 protein was assessed by ELISA. When analysing the effect of miRNAs expression on E2F2 gene expression and E2F2 protein level, we observed no statistically significant correlations. miR-125b-5p was downregulated, while miR-155-3p, and miR-214-5p were upregulated in tumour samples compared to margin. We observed a difference between the miR-125b-5p expression level in smokers and non-smokers in margin samples. Furthermore, HPV-positive individuals had a significantly higher miR-125b-5p and miR-214-5p expression level compared to HPV-negative patients in tumour samples. The study result showed that the E2F2 gene is not the target for analysed miRNAs in OSCC. Moreover, miR-155-3p and miR-125b-5p could play roles in the pathogenesis of OSCC. A differential expression of the analysed miRNAs was observed in response to tobacco smoke and HPV status.

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most commonly detected neoplasms worldwide. Not all mechanisms associated with cell cycle disturbances are known in OSCC. Examples of genes involved in the control of the cell cycle are CDKN2A, MDM2, E2F2 and LTF. The aim of this study was to examine the possible association between CDKN2A, MDM2, E2F2 and LTF mRNA expression and influence on clinical variables. Methods: The study group consisted of 88 Polish patients. The gene expression levels were assessed by quantitative reverse transcription PCR. Results: We found no statistically significant differences in the expression level of CDKN2A, MDM2, E2F2 and LTF genes in tumour samples compared to margin samples. No association was found between the gene expression levels and clinical parameters, except E2F2. The patients with G2 tumours had a significantly higher gene expression level of E2F2 than patients with low-grade G1 tumours. Conclusions: We have not demonstrated that a change in expression profiles of genes has a significant impact on the pathogenesis of OSCC. It may also be useful to conduct further studies on the use of E2F2 expression profile changes as a factor to describe the invasiveness and dynamics of OSCC development.

This study attempts to determine whether the increased blood lead concentration affects the posturographic test and to determine the relationship between the parameters of posture stability and selected parameters of oxidative stress. The study population consisted of 268 male employees and was divided into two equal subgroups, depending on the lead content in the blood. A posturographic examination was performed. Concentrations of lead, cadmium, zinc protoporphyrin, selected essential elements, and selected markers of oxidative stress in the blood were tested. Higher blood lead concentrations positively affected the values of the sway results: the field and the mean velocity of the center of the feet pressure in posturography. The absolute value of the proprioception ratio was similar in both subgroups. The content of malondialdehyde shows a statistically significantly higher value in a subgroup with high blood lead concentration and exhibits significant correlations only with some of the posturography parameters. The lipofuscin content in erythrocytes correlates with the results of the posturography test. Zinc protoporphyrin, total oxidant status, total antioxidant capacity, selected minerals, and metals did not correlate with the results of the posturography test. In conclusion, posturographic results correlate only with selected markers of oxidative stress, so it can be assumed that the effect on the body balance is only partial.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus with the potential to infect human epithelial cells and an etiological agent of many types of cancer, including head and neck cancer. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of HPV infection in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), patients with chronic tonsillitis, and healthy individuals, and to establish high- and low-risk HPV genotypes in these groups. The objectives also comprised the delineation of the relationship between the infection with high- or low-risk HPV subtypes and clinicopathological and demographic characteristics of the study groups. This study was composed of 76 patients diagnosed with HNSCC, 71 patients with chronic tonsillitis, and 168 cases without either of these conditions (the control group). HPV detection and identification of subtypes were performed on isolated DNA using a test which allowed detection of 33 common high-risk and low-risk HPV subtypes. The prevalence of HPV infection was 42.1%, 25.4%, and 37.5% in HNSCC, chronic tonsillitis, and control groups, respectively. HPV 16 was the most prevalent genotype in all groups and the non-oncogenic HPV 43/44 was frequent in HNSCC patients. This analysis provides insight into the prevalence of oral oncogenic and non-oncogenic HPVs in patients with head and neck cancer, patients with chronic tonsillitis and healthy individuals, and leads to the conclusion that further investigations are warranted to examine a larger cohort of patients focusing on high- and low-risk HPV genotypes. Efforts should be focused on screening and prevention strategies, and therefore, it is important to introduce tools for effective detection of HPV genotypes. Furthermore, given the role of vaccines against oral HPV infection, our observations lead to the suggestion that HPV vaccination should be of considerable importance in public health strategies.