Herpesviruses: a unifying causative factor in periodontitis?

Area of Science:

• Oral microbiology
• Virology
• Periodontology

Background:

• Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) are common herpesviruses.
• Herpesvirus infections often present with a latent phase, prone to reactivation under immunosuppression.
• Several immunosuppressive factors are also recognized risk indicators for periodontal disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the association between HCMV and EBV and destructive periodontal diseases.
• To explore the potential role of these herpesviruses in the pathogenesis of various periodontitis types.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating herpesvirus presence in periodontal disease.
• Analysis of evidence linking herpesvirus reactivation to periodontal disease risk factors.

Main Results:

• HCMV and EBV genomes are frequently detected in severe adult periodontitis, juvenile periodontitis, Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome, Down's syndrome-associated periodontitis, HIV-associated periodontitis, and acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis.
• Evidence suggests active HCMV infection plays a role in localized juvenile periodontitis initiation and progression.
• Herpesviruses may exacerbate periodontal disease by releasing destructive cytokines, promoting pathogenic bacteria, and initiating immune-mediated tissue damage.

Conclusions:

• Herpesviruses, particularly HCMV, are implicated in the pathogenesis of destructive periodontal diseases.
• Understanding the role of herpesviruses in periodontitis offers potential avenues for novel prevention and treatment strategies.