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Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Helicobacter pylori (HP) found in oral mucosal ulcers
R Leimola-Virtanen1, R P Happonen, S Syrjänen
1Department of Oral Pathology, University of Turku, Finland.
Abstract:
The possible involvement of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Helicobacter pylori (HP) in oral mucosal ulcers is suggested by their role in the development of ulceration at other mucosal sites of the gastrointestinal tract. A series of 29 incisional biopsies from 29 consecutive and apparently immunocompetent patients attending the clinic for oral ulceration were examined by routine histopathology as well as by in situ hybridisation (ISH) with biotinylated CMV and HP DNA probes. In 14/29 biopsies, Giemsa staining disclosed spiral bacteria. Six (20.7%) of these 14 Giemsa-positive samples showed HP DNA on ISH and 3 ulcers (10.3%) contained CMV DNA. In none of the specimens were CMV and HP detected simultaneously. Two of the ulcers containing CMV DNA were found on the labial mucosa and one on the posterior palatal mucosa, whereas all HP DNA-positive ulcers were located on the buccal mucosa. The results indicate that CMV and HP DNA can be found in separate oral mucosal ulcers in apparently immunocompetent adults.
Insights
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Helicobacter pylori (HP) DNA were detected in separate oral mucosal ulcers in immunocompetent adults. This suggests these pathogens may play a role in oral ulcer development.
Area of Science:
- Oral Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Helicobacter pylori (HP) are implicated in ulcerations at other mucosal sites.
- Their potential role in oral mucosal ulcers warrants investigation, particularly in immunocompetent individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and distribution of CMV and HP DNA in oral mucosal ulcers.
- To determine if these pathogens are associated with oral ulceration in apparently immunocompetent adults.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 29 incisional biopsies from patients with oral ulceration.
- Histopathology and in situ hybridisation (ISH) using CMV and HP DNA probes.
- Giemsa staining for spiral bacteria identification.
Main Results:
- HP DNA detected in 20.7% (6/29) of oral ulcers; CMV DNA found in 10.3% (3/29).
- Spiral bacteria identified in 14 biopsies, with 6 confirming HP DNA.
- CMV and HP DNA were not found simultaneously in any specimen; distinct ulcer locations noted for each pathogen.
Conclusions:
- CMV and HP DNA can be identified in separate oral mucosal ulcers in immunocompetent adults.
- These findings suggest a potential etiological role for CMV and HP in specific cases of oral ulceration.