Absence of DNA viruses in ameloblastomas

Ameloblastomas (ABs) are rare odontogenic benign tumors. Although studies of the molecular pathogenesis have revealed the presence of mutations and altered gene expression, the etiology is unresolved. Viruses cause 10%-15 % of cancers, but their potential role within benign tumors is less studied. This study focuses on the potential presence of herpes-, parvo-, and polyomaviruses in ABs. Thirty DNA viruses comprising herpes-, parvo-, and polyomaviruses were analyzed by qPCR and Luminex-based methods in 11 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded AB samples. In repeated analyses, the ABs harbored none of the studied large set of viruses. Based on our findings a relevant role of the studied viruses seems unlikely in the pathogenesis of ABs.