Which statement most accurately reflects the viral association with conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma?

Which statement most accurately reflects the viral association with conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma?

• A. HSV
• B. HIV
• C. Staphylococcus aureus
• D. HPV

Answer: (D)

Human papillomavirus is the viral factor most consistently linked to conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma. High‑risk HPV types, especially 16 and 18, have been detected in many cases of ocular surface squamous neoplasia, suggesting a role in initiation or progression. The viral oncoproteins E6 and E7 can disrupt tumor suppressor pathways (like p53 and Rb), promoting abnormal squamous cell proliferation in the conjunctiva. Immunosuppression from HIV can increase risk and severity, but the direct viral association for these tumors is HPV. HSV isn’t strongly linked to conjunctival carcinoma, and Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium, not a virus.

Human papillomavirus is the viral factor most consistently linked to conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma. High‑risk HPV types, especially 16 and 18, have been detected in many cases of ocular surface squamous neoplasia, suggesting a role in initiation or progression. The viral oncoproteins E6 and E7 can disrupt tumor suppressor pathways (like p53 and Rb), promoting abnormal squamous cell proliferation in the conjunctiva. Immunosuppression from HIV can increase risk and severity, but the direct viral association for these tumors is HPV. HSV isn’t strongly linked to conjunctival carcinoma, and Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium, not a virus.