Association of subgingival Epstein-Barr virus and periodontitis.

Chaerita Maulani,Elza Ibrahim Auerkari,Nurtami Soedarsono,Sri Lelyati C Masulili,Widayat Djoko Santoso,Lindawati Kusdhany

doi:10.12688/f1000research.52624.2

Abstract

Background: The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is gaining interest as a possible agent in the etiology of periodontitis. Previous studies have shown controversy on whether EBV DNA in the subgingival periodontal pockets is associated with periodontitis. The present study aimed to seek the potential relationship between EBV and periodontitis. Methods: Samples were taken from gingival crevicular fluid using sterile paper points, and data on sociodemographics, oral health, and periodontal health were recorded. This case-control study of 118 participants included 59 subjects with severe periodontitis and 59 control subjects with mild periodontitis. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to determined EBV load. Results: EBV DNA was detected in 37.3% of the case samples and 18.6% of the control samples. There was no significant difference in a load of EBV DNA between severe and mild periodontitis (p>0.05). The observed load of EBV DNA was up to 4.55x10 5 copies/mL. The detected EBV DNA was significantly associated with the plaque index and the oral hygiene index (p<0.05). Conclusions: Although no significant association was found, EBV may play a role in periodontitis. The real-time PCR methods can be used to monitor the EBV load in gingival crevicular fluid.

Highlights

The Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is gaining interest as a possible agent in the etiology of periodontitis
This study aimed to examine using quantitative real-time PCR whether EBV DNA in subgingival pockets has a higher prevalence in systemically healthy patients with severe periodontitis than in those with mild periodontitis
EBV DNA was detected in 28.0% of all subjects, 37.3% of severe periodontitis cases, and 18.6% of mild periodontitis control cases

Summary

Introduction

The Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is gaining interest as a possible agent in the etiology of periodontitis. Methods: Samples were taken from gingival crevicular fluid using sterile paper points, and data on sociodemographics, oral health, and periodontal health were recorded. This case-control study of 118 participants included 59 subjects with severe periodontitis and 59 control subjects with mild periodontitis. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to determined EBV load. There was no significant difference in a load of EBV DNA between severe and mild periodontitis (p>0.05). The detected EBV DNA was significantly associated with the plaque index and the oral hygiene index (p

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Conclusion