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Is herpes simplex virus associated with pulp/periapical inflammation?
I Heling1, M Morag-Hezroni, E Marva
1Department of Endodontics, The Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel. heling@cc.huji.ac.il
Summary
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) DNA was not found in dental pulp or periapical tissues. This suggests HSV is unlikely to be a cause of tooth nerve tissue pathology.
Area of Science:
- Oral pathology
- Virology
- Molecular biology
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a common human pathogen.
- The role of HSV in dental pulp and periapical tissue pathology is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detect the presence of HSV DNA in dental pulp and inflamed periapical tissues.
- To investigate the potential involvement of HSV in tooth neural tissue pathology.
Main Methods:
- Dental pulp (vital and necrotic) and periapical tissue samples were collected aseptically.
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect HSV DNA in tissue and saliva samples.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect HSV-specific IgG and IgM antibodies in blood samples.
Main Results:
- HSV DNA was not detected in any of the tested dental pulp, periapical tissue, or saliva samples.
- ELISA results showed HSV IgG antibodies in 19 out of 23 blood samples, indicating past exposure, but no IgM antibodies were detected.
Conclusions:
- The study found no evidence of HSV DNA in dental pulp or periapical tissues.
- HSV is unlikely to be a causative agent in the pathology of tooth neural tissue.