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Cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus are associated with symptomatic periapical pathosis
1University of Southern California, School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0641, USA.
Background:
Recent studies have identified human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in symptomatic periapical lesions. Little information exists on HCMV and EBV in asymptomatic periapical lesions.
Aim:
To compare the presence of late transcripts of HCMV, EBV and herpes simplex virus (HSV) in symptomatic and asymptomatic periapical lesions.
Methods:
Periapical samples were collected from seven symptomatic and seven asymptomatic periapical lesions at the time of apicoectomy. HCMV, EBV and HSV late mRNAs were identified by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.
Results:
HCMV mRNA was detected in all seven symptomatic periapical lesions and in one asymptomatic lesion (Chi-squared test, Yates'P-value = 0.007). EBV mRNA was detected in six symptomatic lesions and in one asymptomatic lesion (P = 0.04). One asymptomatic lesion yielded HSV mRNA.
Conclusions:
HCMV and EBV active infections are associated with acute exacerbation of apical periodontitis. HSV seems to be unimportant in periapical pathosis.
Insights
Active human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infections are linked to symptomatic apical periodontitis. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) appears less involved in periapical disease.
Area of Science:
- Oral pathology
- Virology
- Infectious diseases
Background:
- Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) have been detected in symptomatic periapical lesions.
- Limited data exists regarding HCMV and EBV presence in asymptomatic periapical lesions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare the prevalence of late transcripts of HCMV, EBV, and herpes simplex virus (HSV) in both symptomatic and asymptomatic periapical lesions.
Main Methods:
- Periapical tissue samples were obtained during apicoectomy from seven symptomatic and seven asymptomatic lesions.
- Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was employed to detect HCMV, EBV, and HSV late mRNAs.
Main Results:
- HCMV mRNA was identified in all symptomatic lesions and one asymptomatic lesion (P=0.007).
- EBV mRNA was detected in six symptomatic lesions and one asymptomatic lesion (P=0.04).
- HSV mRNA was found in one asymptomatic lesion.
Conclusions:
- Active HCMV and EBV infections are associated with the acute exacerbation of apical periodontitis.
- HSV does not appear to play a significant role in periapical pathosis.