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Murine Renal Transplantation Procedure
18:48

Murine Renal Transplantation Procedure

Published on: July 10, 2009

Human cytomegalovirus-associated periodontitis in renal transplant patients

H Nowzari1, M G Jorgensen, S Aswad

  • 1School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, 925 West 34th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0641, USA.

Transplantation Proceedings
|December 31, 2003
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Active human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) replication was found in the oral fluids of renal transplant patients with periodontitis, indicating a risk for viral reactivation despite antiviral therapy. Detecting HCMV pp67-mRNA in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid can signal active infection.

Area of Science:

  • Transplant immunology
  • Virology
  • Periodontology

Background:

  • Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is a known risk factor for renal transplant failure.
  • Periodontal pockets may serve as reservoirs for HCMV replication, potentially impacting transplant outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate active HCMV replication in the saliva and gingival crevicular fluid of renal transplant patients suffering from periodontitis.
  • To identify potential markers for active viral infection in oral fluids.

Main Methods:

  • HCMV pp67-mRNA amplification was performed on oral fluids from 38 renal transplant recipients 6 months post-transplantation.
  • Periodontitis diagnosis was based on clinical examination; serum HCMV IgG and IgM were analyzed.
  • Patients had received antiviral therapy for the first 3 months post-transplantation.

Main Results:

  • HCMV gene transcripts were detected in the saliva of 21% and gingival crevicular fluid of 18% of patients.
  • 100% of patients with detectable HCMV pp67-mRNA in saliva showed clinical signs of viral infection.
  • While serum IgM was positive in 7.9% and IgG in 65.8%, associations with active mRNA replication were not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

  • Renal transplant patients with periodontitis face a risk of HCMV replication in periodontal tissues, even after antiviral treatment.
  • Detection of HCMV pp67-mRNA in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid can serve as a marker for active viral infection.
  • This study provides evidence linking HCMV-associated periodontitis to complications in renal transplant recipients.

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