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Update on human cytomegalovirus in destructive periodontal disease
1University of Southern California, School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0641, USA. jslots@usc.edu
Aim:
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a herpesvirus, is discussed in this review as it relates to destructive periodontal disease in humans.
Results:
HCMV genomic sequences, detected by polymerase chain reaction identification, occur with elevated frequency in severe adult periodontitis, localized and generalized aggressive (juvenile) periodontitis, Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome periodontitis, acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis, and periodontal abscesses.
Discussion:
Herpesviruses establish lifelong persistent infections. HCMV infection involves an asymptomatic latent phase interrupted by periods of recrudescence where viral replication and possibly clinical disease become manifest. HCMV reactivation is triggered by a number of immunosuppressive factors, some of which have been shown also to be risk factors/indicators of periodontitis. HCMV periodontal infection may cause release of tissue-destructive cytokines, overgrowth of pathogenic periodontal bacteria, and initiation of cytotoxic or immunopathologic events.
Conclusions:
A growing body of data supports the concept that HCMV contributes to severe types of periodontal disease. HCMV infection of the periodontium may alter the immune control of resident microorganisms and be important in a multistage pathogenesis of periodontitis involving viral activation, periodontopathic bacteria, and host immune responses. Understanding the significance of HCMV and other herpesviruses in the development of periodontal disease may have important therapeutic implications. Vaccines against HCMV, which are in various stages of development, need to be evaluated for their ability to decrease the incidence of destructive periodontal disease.
Insights
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is frequently detected in severe periodontal disease. This herpesvirus may contribute to destructive conditions by triggering immune responses and bacterial overgrowth, impacting treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Periodontology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a common herpesvirus.
- Periodontal diseases encompass a range of destructive inflammatory conditions affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the association between Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and destructive periodontal diseases in humans.
- To explore the potential role of HCMV in the pathogenesis of severe periodontitis.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on HCMV and periodontal disease.
- Detection of HCMV genomic sequences using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Main Results:
- HCMV sequences are found with increased frequency in severe adult periodontitis, aggressive periodontitis, Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome periodontitis, acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis, and periodontal abscesses.
- HCMV infection can lead to the release of tissue-destructive cytokines and overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria.
Conclusions:
- HCMV is implicated in the pathogenesis of severe periodontal diseases.
- HCMV reactivation, triggered by immunosuppressive factors, may contribute to periodontitis.
- Therapeutic strategies, including potential HCMV vaccines, warrant evaluation for managing periodontal disease.
