[Etiology and prevention of recurring aphthous stomatitis]

New results concerning the etiology of recurrent aphthae are reported. According to own experiments of the authors, adenoviruses persisting in the epithelial cells of the oral mucosa may sensitize the aphthous patient. Adenovirus antigen was demonstrable in the oral mucosa cells in more than 50% of the patients and in the lymphocytes in approx. 1% of the patients. Lymphoblast transformation in the circulating lymphocytes could be demonstrated in vitro with heat-inactivated type 1 adenovirus, in 75% of the patients. This virus type has been isolated from 2 patients. Köbner's isomorphous phenomenon could be demonstrated in aphthous patients. The use of a disinfectant for mouth rinsing, the removal of foci as well as vitamin treatment are recommended for preventing recurrent aphthae.