Orofacial viral infections in the immunocompromised host

Area of Science:

• Oral medicine
• Virology
• Immunocompromised patient care

Background:

• Orofacial viral infections are prevalent in immunocompromised individuals.
• Herpes simplex virus (HSV) and Varicella-Zoster virus (VZV) are common, with VZV often causing more severe disease.
• Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Human Herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), HHV-7, HHV-8, and Human Papillomaviruses (HPVs) are implicated in various oral conditions, including ulcers, leukoplakia, Kaposi sarcoma, and epithelial hyperplasia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the spectrum of viral infections affecting the orofacial region in immunocompromised patients.
• To highlight the association of various herpesviruses and papillomaviruses with oral lesions and potential malignancies.
• To underscore the need for ongoing research into viral etiologies of oral conditions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of viral infections in immunocompromised patients.
• Summary of clinical presentations and etiological roles of specific viruses.
• Discussion of viral associations with oral neoplasias.

Main Results:

• HSV and VZV are the most frequent viral pathogens in the orofacial region of immunocompromised hosts.
• EBV, HHV-6, HHV-8, and HPVs are linked to diverse oral manifestations, ranging from benign lesions to lymphoproliferative disorders and cancers.
• The role of HHV-7 remains less defined, while molluscum contagiosum is attributed to a poxvirus.

Conclusions:

• A wide array of viruses, particularly herpesviruses and papillomaviruses, significantly impact the orofacial health of immunocompromised individuals.
• Several of these viruses are oncogenic, highlighting the importance of monitoring and research.
• Further investigation is crucial to fully elucidate the viral contribution to orofacial diseases and neoplastic development.