Human herpesviruses and Porphyromonas gingivalis are associated with juvenile periodontitis

Human Herpesviruses, Bacteria, and Fungi in Gingivitis and Periodontitis Pediatric Subjects: A Systematic Review

Objectives: This systematic review assesses and compares the presence and relative abundance of periodontal pathogens, human herpesviruses (HHVs), and fungi in subgingival and/or saliva samples from pediatric subjects (≤18 years of age) with periodontally healthy status and with gingivitis and/or periodontitis. Methods: The study protocol was conducted under the PRISMA statement and registered on PROSPERO (CRD42024593007). Data from seven studies were descriptively analyzed and qualitatively assessed through the ROBINS-1 and JBI tools. Results: Pediatric subjects with clinically healthy periodontium exhibited a balanced microbiome, with early colonizers (Streptococcus species) supporting biofilm development and late colonizers like Fusobacterium nucleatum, Treponema denticola (82.35%), and Porphyromonas gingivalis (29.7%) present at low levels, suggesting subclinical dysbiosis. Viruses such as HSV-I (100%), CMV (17.8%), and EBV-I (22.09%) coexisted in a likely latent state, maintained by effective immune responses. In pediatric periodontitis, biofilms were more diverse and pathogenic, with increased prevalence of A. actinomycetemcomitans (56.09%), P. gingivalis (55.4%), and T. forsythia (35.9%). Generalized periodontitis showed higher CMV (36.36%) and EBV-I (36.24%) prevalence than gingivitis (HSV-I 18.75%). Coinfections were frequent in periodontitis, suggesting bacterial-viral synergy in exacerbating inflammation and tissue destruction. Fungi, although not studied, may also contribute under specific conditions. Conclusions: These findings highlight the role of microbial interactions in periodontal health and disease progression.

Aggressive periodontitis in southwestern American Indian adolescents

BACKGROUND

This study determined the prevalence of aggressive (molar-incisor pattern) (Ag/MI) periodontitis and assessed the associated subgingival bacterial-herpesvirus microbiota in Pueblo Indian adolescents in the southwestern United States.

METHODS

The study included 240 Pueblo Indian adolescents, aged 13-20 years old, residing in three Rio Grande River villages in New Mexico and the Hopi Pueblo reservation in Arizona. Adolescents with Ag/MI periodontitis or periodontal health provided subgingival samples for culture of bacterial pathogens and for polymerase chain reaction detection of periodontal herpesviruses.

RESULTS

Ag/MI periodontitis was detected in 22 (9.2%) Pueblo Indian adolescents, with 21 exhibiting a localized molar-incisor breakdown pattern. Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and other red/orange complex bacterial pathogens predominated in Ag/MI periodontitis, whereas periodontal health yielded mainly viridans streptococci and Actinomyces species. Periodontal herpesviruses demonstrated a 3.5 odds ratio relationship with Ag/MI periodontitis. The only adolescent with generalized Ag/MI periodontitis harbored viral co-infection by cytomegalovirus plus Epstein-Barr virus Type 1, in addition to A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. gingivalis, and several other periodontopathic bacteria.

CONCLUSIONS

Pueblo Indian adolescents showed an unusually high prevalence of early-age Ag/MI periodontitis predominated by periodontopathic bacteria and herpesviruses suspected to be major etiologic agents of the disease.

Herpesvirus-Bacteria pathogenic interaction in juvenile (aggressive) periodontitis. A novel etiologic concept of the disease

Localized juvenile (aggressive) periodontitis starts at puberty in otherwise healthy individuals and involves the proximal surfaces of permanent incisors and first molars. The disease destroys a sizeable amount of periodontal bone within a few months despite minimal dental plaque and gingival tissue inflammation. Cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus, as well as the two main periodontopathic bacteria Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis, are linked to juvenile periodontitis. Juvenile periodontitis-affected teeth show cementum hypoplasia. We hypothesize that an active herpesvirus infection, at the time of root formation, hampers cementum formation and, at puberty, herpesvirus reactivation triggers an upgrowth of bacterial pathogens which produce rapid periodontal destruction on teeth with a defective periodontium. A pathogenic interaction between active herpesviruses and bacterial pathogens can potentially explain the etiology and incisor-first molar destructive pattern of juvenile periodontitis. Effective treatment of juvenile periodontitis may target the herpesvirus-bacteria co-infection.

Exploring the Human Virome: Composition, Dynamics, and Implications for Health and Disease

Humans are colonized by large number of microorganisms-bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The overall genome of entire viruses that either lives on or inside the human body makes up the human virome and is indeed an essential fraction of the human metagenome. Humans are constantly exposed to viruses as they are ubiquitously present on earth. The human virobiota encompasses eukaryotic viruses, bacteriophages, retroviruses, and even giant viruses. With the advent of Next-generation sequencing (NGS) and ongoing development of numerous bioinformatic softwares, identification and taxonomic characterization of viruses have become easier. The viruses are abundantly present in humans; these can be pathogenic or commensal. The viral communities occupy various niches in the human body. The viruses start colonizing the infant gut soon after birth in a stepwise fashion and the viral composition diversify according to their feeding habits. Various factors such as diet, age, medications, etc. influence and shape the human virome. The viruses interact with the host immune system and these interactions have beneficial or detrimental effects on their host. The virome composition and abundance change during the course of disease and these alterations impact the immune system. Hence, the virome population in healthy and disease conditions influences the human host in numerous ways. This review presents an overview of assembly and composition of the human virome in healthy asymptomatic individuals, changes in the virome profiles, and host-virome interactions in various disease states.

Disruption of biofilms in periodontal disease through the induction of phase transition by cationic dextrans

Biofilm of oral pathogenic microorganisms induced by their multiplication and coaggregation would lead to periodontitis. In biofilms, the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) as a protective shield encapsulates the individual bacteria, protecting them against attack. To alleviate periodontal disease, disrupting the EPS of pathogenic bacteria is crucial and challenging. Based on the sufficient capacity of disorganizing EPS of our designed cationic dextrans, we hypothesized that these polymers could be competent in relieving periodontitis. We validated that cationic dextrans could induce the phase transition of EPS in biofilms, especially the Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), a keystone periodontal pathogen, thus effectively destroying biofilm in vitro. More importantly, satisfactory in vivo treatment was achieved in a rat periodontal disease model. In summary, the study exploited a practical and effective strategy to treat periodontitis with cationic dextrans' powerful biofilm-controlling potential. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Periodontal disease is closely related to dental plaque biofilms on the tooth surface. The biofilm forms gel structures and shields the bacteria underneath, thus protecting oral pathogens from traditional anti-bacterial reagents. Due to limited penetration into gel, the efficacy of these reagents in biofilm elimination is restricted. Our designed cationic dextran could wipe out the coverage of gel-like EPS to disperse encapsulated bacteria. Such superior capacity endowed them with satisfactory effect in disrupting biofilm. Notably, in a rat periodontitis model, cationic dextrans dramatically suppressed alveolar bone loss and alleviated periodontal inflammation by controlling dental plaque. Given the increasing global concerns about periodontal disease, it's worth expanding the application of cationic dextrans both scientifically and clinically.

Viruses, periodontitis, and comorbidities

Seminal studies published in the 1990s and 2000s explored connections between periodontal diseases and systemic conditions, revealing potential contributions of periodontal diseases in the initiation or worsening of systemic conditions. The resulting field of periodontal medicine led to the publication of studies indicating that periodontal diseases can influence the risk of systemic conditions, including adverse pregnancy outcomes, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, as well as Alzheimer disease and cancers. In general, these studies hypothesized that the periodontal bacterial insult and/or the associated proinflammatory cascade could contribute to the pathogenesis of these systemic diseases. While investigations of the biological basis of the connections between periodontal diseases and systemic conditions generally emphasized the bacteriome, it is also biologically plausible, under an analogous hypothesis, that other types of organisms may have a similar role. Human viruses would be logical "suspects" in this role, given their ubiquity in the oral cavity, association with periodontal diseases, and ability to elicit strong inflammatory response, compromise immune responses, and synergize with bacteria in favor of a more pathogenic microbial consortium. In this review, the current knowledge of the role of viruses in connecting periodontal diseases and systemic conditions is examined. We will also delve into the mechanistic basis for such connections and highlight the importance of those relationships in the management and treatment of patients.

The human oral virome: Shedding light on the dark matter

Mediators of the initiation, development, and recurrence of periodontitis include the oral microbiome embedded in subgingival plaque and the host immune response to a dysbiosis within this dynamic and complex microbial community. Although mediators have been studied extensively, researchers in the field have been unable to fully ascribe certain clinical presentations of periodontitis to their nature. Emergence of high-throughput sequencing technologies has resulted in better characterization of the microbial oral dysbiosis that extends beyond the extensively studied putative bacterial periodontopathogens to a shift in the oral virome composition during disease conditions. Although the biological dark matter inserted by retroviruses was once believed to be nonfunctional, research has revealed that it encodes historical viral-eukaryotic interactions and influences host development. The objective of this review is to evaluate the proposed association of herpesviruses to the etiology and pathogenesis of periodontal disease and survey the highly abundant prokaryotic viruses to delineate their potential roles in biofilm dynamics, as well as their interactions with putative bacterial periodontopathogens and eukaryotic cells. The findings suggest that potential novel periodontal therapies targeting or utilizing the oral virome can alleviate certain clinical presentations of periodontitis. Perhaps it is time to embrace the viral dark matter within the periodontal environment to fully comprehend the pathogenesis and systemic implications of periodontitis.

The Role of Coinfections in the EBV-Host Broken Equilibrium

The Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is a well-adapted human virus, and its infection is exclusive to our species, generally beginning in the childhood and then persisting throughout the life of most of the affected adults. Although this infection generally remains asymptomatic, EBV can trigger life-threatening conditions under unclear circumstances. The EBV lifecycle is characterized by interactions with other viruses or bacteria, which increases the probability of awakening its pathobiont capacity. For instance, EBV infects B cells with the potential to alter the germinal center reaction (GCR)—an adaptive immune structure wherein mutagenic-driven processes take place. HIV- and Plasmodium falciparum-induced B cell hyperactivation also feeds the GCR. These agents, along with the B cell tropic KSHV, converge in the ontogeny of germinal center (GC) or post-GC lymphomas. EBV oral transmission facilitates interactions with local bacteria and HPV, thereby increasing the risk of periodontal diseases and head and neck carcinomas. It is less clear as to how EBV is localized in the stomach, but together with Helicobacter pylori, they are known to be responsible for gastric cancer. Perhaps this mechanism is reminiscent of the local inflammation that attracts different herpesviruses and enhances graft damage and chances of rejection in transplanted patients. In this review, we discussed the existing evidence suggestive of EBV possessing the potential to synergize or cooperate with these agents to trigger or worsen the disease.

Association of oral Epstein-Barr virus with periodontal health in Japanese adults

Previous studies have demonstrated that oral Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with periodontitis. However, the relationship between periodontitis and oral EBV has not been fully elucidated by reducing the effects of confounding factors. The aim of the present study was to clarify the association between oral Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and oral health status among middle-aged and older Japanese individuals. A total of 124 patients (46 males and 78 females; mean age, 69.2 years; age range, 35-90 years) who visited Hiroshima University Hospital between October 2018 and December 2019 were recruited into the present study. EBV DNA positivity was determined in 124 oral rinse samples using quantitative PCR. Periodontal disease-related bacteria were also detected by PCR analysis. EBV DNA was determined as positive in 16 of the 124 enrolled patients (12.9%). No significant difference was identified between EBV DNA and clinical factors (sex, age, remaining teeth, denture use, smoking or medical history). Of the 38 patients with periodontal pockets ≥6 mm, 10 were EBV DNA positive (26.3%). There was a significant association between EBV DNA positivity and probing depth (P=0.01). Additionally, a significant association was identified between bleeding on probing (BOP) and EBV DNA positivity (P=0.03). To investigate the relationship between EBV and periodontal health status, propensity score-matching was determined between participants without ≥4 mm periodontal pockets and BOP (participants with good periodontal health) and those with ≥4 mm periodontal pockets, BOP or both (participants with poor periodontal health). A total of 35 matched pairs were identified among the patients. Patients with poor periodontal health exhibited a higher EBV DNA positivity rate (25.7%) than those with good periodontal health (0.0%). Additionally, there was a significant association between EBV DNA positivity and periodontal health status (P=0.001). T. denticola-positive participants exhibited a higher EBV DNA positivity rate than negative participants (17.6 vs. 9.6%). However, there was no significant difference. The results indicated that oral EBV may be markedly associated with periodontitis in middle-aged and older Japanese individuals.

Anna Karenina and the subgingival microbiome associated with periodontitis

BACKGROUND

Although localized aggressive periodontitis (LAP), generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAP), and chronic periodontitis (CP) are microbially driven diseases, our inability to separate disease-specific associations from those common to all three forms of periodontitis has hampered biomarker discovery. Therefore, we aimed to map the genomic content of, and the biological pathways encoded by, the microbiomes associated with these clinical phenotypes. We also estimated the extent to which these biomes are governed by the Anna Karenina principle (AKP), which states that eubiotic communities are similar between individuals while disease-associated communities are highly individualized.

METHODS

We collected subgingival plaque from 25 periodontally healthy individuals and diseased sites of 59 subjects with stage 3 periodontitis and used shotgun metagenomics to characterize the aggregate of bacterial genes.

RESULTS

Beta-dispersion metrics demonstrated that AKP was most evident in CP, followed by GAP and LAP. We discovered broad dysbiotic signatures spanning the three phenotypes, with over-representation of pathways that facilitate life in an oxygen-poor, protein- and heme-rich, pro-oxidant environment and enhance capacity for attachment and biofilm formation. Phenotype-specific indicators were more readily evident in LAP microbiome than GAP or CP. Genes that enable acetate-scavenging lifestyle, utilization of alternative nutritional sources, oxidative and nitrosative stress responses, and siderophore production were unique to LAP. An attenuation of virulence-related functionalities and stress response from LAP to GAP to CP was apparent. We also discovered that clinical phenotypes of disease resolved variance in the microbiome with greater clarity than the newly established grading system. Importantly, we observed that one third of the metagenome of LAP is unique to this phenotype while GAP shares significant functional and taxonomic features with both LAP and CP, suggesting either attenuation of an aggressive disease or an early-onset chronic disease.

CONCLUSION

Within the limitations of a small sample size and a cross-sectional study design, the distinctive features of the microbiomes associated with LAP and CP strongly persuade us that these are discrete disease entities, while calling into question whether GAP is a separate disease, or an artifact induced by cross-sectional study designs. Further studies on phenotype-specific microbial genes are warranted to explicate their role in disease etiology. Video Abstract.

TPCA-1 negatively regulates inflammation mediated by NF-κB pathway in mouse chronic periodontitis model

The dysregulation of immune system plays a crucial function in periodontitis development. Pro-inflammatory cytokines are thought to be critical for the generation and development of periodontitis. The enhanced activity of osteoclasts contributes to periodontitis pathogenesis. Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway directly enhances osteoclast differentiation and maturation. 2-[(aminocarbonyl)amino]-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-thiophenecarboxamide (TPCA-1) is a IκB kinases (IKK) inhibitor. This research aimed to investigate whether TPCA-1 had influence on the pathogenesis of chronic periodontitis. Mouse chronic periodontitis was induced by an in vivo ligature-induced periodontitis model. TPCA-1 was intravenously injected into mice after chronic periodontitis induction. Bone marrow-derived macrophages were cultured in macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF)-conditioned media with receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL) induce in vitro osteoclast differentiation. Western blot was used to analyze protein levels and mRNA levels were analyzed through qRT-PCR. TPCA-1 promoted osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast-related gene expression in vitro. The production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in osteoclasts induced by lipopolysaccharides was inhibited by TPCA-1 in vitro. In vitro TPCA-1 treatment inhibited Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A.a)-induced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and NF-κB signal activation in osteoclasts. The induction of chronic periodontitis was inhibited by the absence of IKKb in mice. This research demonstrates that the treatment of TPCA-1 negatively regulates inflammation response and inhibits the osteoclastogenesis through the inactivation of NF-κB pathway in mouse chronic periodontitis model.

Local drug delivery systems as therapeutic strategies against periodontitis: A systematic review

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammation of the soft tissue surrounding and supporting the teeth, which causes periodontal structural damage, alveolar bone resorption, and even tooth loss. Its prevalence is very high, with nearly 60% of the global population affected. Hence, periodontitis is an important public health concern, and the development of effective healing treatments for oral diseases is a major target of the health sciences. Currently, the application of local drug delivery systems (LDDS) as an adjunctive therapy to scaling and root planning (SRP) in periodontitis is a promising strategy, giving higher efficacy and fewer side effects by controlling drug release. The cornerstone of successful periodontitis therapy is to select an appropriate bioactive agent and route of administration. In this context, this review highlights applications of LDDS with different properties in the treatment of periodontitis with or without systemic diseases, in order to reveal existing challenges and future research directions.

Salivary markers of oxidative stress and periodontal pathogens in patients with periodontitis from Santander, Colombia

Introduction:

Periodontitis affects more than 20% of the Latin American population. Oxidative markers are associated with greater progression of periodontitis; therefore, its role in pathogenesis should be studied.

Objective:

To determine the prevalence of the main oral bacteria and viruses associated with periodontitis and estimate the total antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation in saliva from patients with periodontitis.

Materials and methods:

We conducted systemically a cross-sectional study in 101 healthy subjects, 87 of whom had been diagnosed with periodontitis (P), according to the criteria of the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Periodontology, and 14 without periodontal pockets as controls (C). In subgingival samples, major viruses and dental pathogenic bacteria were identified using PCR techniques. The levels of total antioxidant capacity and malon-di-aldehyde (MDA) were determined by spectrophotometry in samples of unstimulated saliva.

Results:

The mean of periodontal depth pocket and clinical attachment loss in patients with periodontitis was 5.6 ± 1.7 and 6.1 ± 3.1 mm, respectively. The most prevalent microorganisms were Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (32.5%) and Porphyromonas gingivalis (18.6%). The patients from rural areas showed a higher percentage of A. actinomycetemcomitans (urban: 17.9% vs. rural: 48.9%, p=0.0018). In patients with periodontitis, the frequency of EBV, HSV1 & 2, and HCMV genes was 2.3%. Periodontitis patients had higher levels of MDA (P: 2.1 ± 1.5; C: 0.46 ± 0.3 µmol/g protein; p=0.0001) and total antioxidant capacity (P: 0.32 ± 0.2; C: 0.15 ± 0.1 mM; p< 0.0036). Oxidative markers showed no modifications due to the presence of periodontopathic bacteria.

Conclusions:

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans was the most prevalent bacteria; its presence did not modify the levels of oxidative markers in the saliva of patients with periodontitis.

Prevalence of herpesviruses in periodontal disease of the North Indian population: A pilot study

Introduction:

Periodontitis is a multifactorial disease of diverse microbiome, predominantly bacterial. Bacterial infection alone may not explain complete pathophysiology and clinical variations in disease pattern. Concept of herpesviruses playing a significant role in periodontal pathogenesis has been explored globally. Studies show varied results and difference may be accounted to variations existing in studied populations. The present study explored the prevalence of herpesviruses in periodontal disease of the North Indian population.

Materials and Methods:

In this case–control study, tissue samples were collected from the normal gingiva (control: n = 48) and deepest pocket (cases: n = 48) using a single curette stroke. Periodontal disease status was assessed through the gingival index, pocket depth, and clinical attachment level which were compared to viral marker positivity.

Results:

Ninety samples from 48 healthy gingiva and 48 periodontitis patients were assessed between the age range of 17–60 years. The prevalence of cytomegalovirus was 2.083% (cases) and 2.083% (controls) and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) was 18.75% (cases) and 0% (controls). Odd's ratio for EBV in patients with periodontitis is calculated (Haldane–Anscombe correction) to be 21.82%. Herpes simplex virus 1/2 and varicella-zoster virus were absent in both groups.

Conclusions:

Within the limitation of this study, EBV was found in cases of periodontitis patients. Its role in disease initiation and progression is not clear. Further studies are required to ascertain EBV as risk factor in periodontal disease.

Herpesvirus-bacteria synergistic interaction in periodontitis

The etiopathogenesis of severe periodontitis includes herpesvirus-bacteria coinfection. This article evaluates the pathogenicity of herpesviruses (cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus) and periodontopathic bacteria (Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis) and coinfection of these infectious agents in the initiation and progression of periodontitis. Cytomegalovirus and A. actinomycetemcomitans/P. gingivalis exercise synergistic pathogenicity in the development of localized ("aggressive") juvenile periodontitis. Cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus are associated with P. gingivalis in adult types of periodontitis. Periodontal herpesviruses that enter the general circulation may also contribute to disease development in various organ systems. A 2-way interaction is likely to occur between periodontal herpesviruses and periodontopathic bacteria, with herpesviruses promoting bacterial upgrowth, and bacterial factors reactivating latent herpesviruses. Bacterial-induced gingivitis may facilitate herpesvirus colonization of the periodontium, and herpesvirus infections may impede the antibacterial host defense and alter periodontal cells to predispose for bacterial adherence and invasion. Herpesvirus-bacteria synergistic interactions, are likely to comprise an important pathogenic determinant of aggressive periodontitis. However, mechanistic investigations into the molecular and cellular interaction between periodontal herpesviruses and bacteria are still scarce. Herpesvirus-bacteria coinfection studies may yield significant new discoveries of pathogenic determinants, and drug and vaccine targets to minimize or prevent periodontitis and periodontitis-related systemic diseases.

A brief history of periodontics in the United States of America: Pioneers and thought-leaders of the past, and current challenges

This paper summarizes historical events in periodontology in the United States over the past 200 years. The contributions of some of the key thought-leaders of the past are highlighted. Throughout the 20th century, the evolution of thought, leading to the views currently held regarding the pathogenesis and treatment of periodontal diseases, was significantly influenced by: (1) major changes in health-care education; (2) the emergence of periodontics as a specialty of dentistry; (3) the publication of peer-reviewed journals with an emphasis on periodontology; (4) formation of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR); and (5) expansion of periodontal research programs by the NIDCR. The two major future challenges facing periodontal research are development of a better understanding of the ecological complexities of host-microbial interactions in periodontal health and disease, and identification of the relevant mechanisms involved in the predictable regeneration of damaged periodontal tissues.

The Periodontium as a Potential Cause of Orofacial Pain: A Comprehensive Review

Introduction:

Orofacial pain of periodontal origin has a wide range of causes, and its high prevalence and negative effect on patients' quality of life make intervention mandatory. This review provides a periodontological overview of the field of orofacial pain, focusing on the entities which involve the periodontal tissues and may be the cause of this pain or discomfort.

Methods:

The study comprised a literature search of these pathologies conducted in the MEDLINE/PubMed Database. Acute infectious entities such as gingival and periodontal abscesses are emergencies that require a rapid response. Periodontitis associated with endodontic processes, necrotizing periodontal disorders, desquamative gingivitis, gingival recession, and mucogingival herpetic lesions, cause mild to severe pain due to tissue destruction and loss. Other lesions that lead to periodontal discomfort include gingival enlargement and periodontal ligament strains associated with occlusal trauma, parafunctional habit and the impaction of food or foreign bodies.

Conclusion:

A range of therapeutic, pharmacological and surgical alternatives are available for the management of these injuries. However, the wide variety of causes of orofacial pain or periodontal discomfort may confuse the clinician during diagnosis and may lead to the wrong choice of treatment.

Porphyromonas gingivalis Peptidyl Arginine Deiminase Can Modulate Neutrophil Activity via Infection of Human Dental Stem Cells

Periodontitis (PD) is a widespread chronic inflammatory disease in the human population. Porphyromonas gingivalis is associated with PD and can citrullinate host proteins via P. gingivalis peptidyl arginine deiminase (PPAD). Here, we hypothesized that infection of human dental follicle stem cells (hDFSCs) with P. gingivalis and subsequent interaction with neutrophils will alter the neutrophil phenotype. To test this hypothesis, we established and analyzed a triple-culture system of neutrophils and hDFSCs primed with P. gingivalis. Mitogen-activated pathway blocking reagents were applied to gain insight into stem cell signaling after infection. Naïve hDFSCs do not influence the neutrophil phenotype. However, infection of hDFSCs with P. gingivalis prolongs the survival of neutrophils and increases their migration. These phenotypic changes depend on direct cellular contacts and PPAD expression by P. gingivalis. Active JNK and ERK pathways in primed hDFSCs are essential for the phenotypic changes in neutrophils. Collectively, our results confirm that P. gingivalis modifies hDFSCs, thereby causing an immune imbalance.

Periodontitis: facts, fallacies and the future

This volume of Periodontology 2000 represents the 25th anniversary of the Journal, and uses the occasion to assess important advancements in periodontology over the past quarter-century as well as the hurdles that remain. Periodontitis is defined by pathologic loss of the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. The disease involves complex dynamic interactions among active herpesviruses, specific bacterial pathogens and destructive immune responses. Periodontal diagnostics is currently based on clinical rather than etiologic criteria, and provides limited therapeutic guidance. Periodontal causative treatment consists of scaling, antiseptic rinses and occasionally systemic antibiotics, and surgical intervention has been de-emphasized, except perhaps for the most advanced types of periodontitis. Plastic surgical therapy includes soft-tissue grafting to cover exposed root surfaces and bone grafting to provide support for implants. Dental implants are used to replace severely diseased or missing teeth, but implant overuse is of concern. The utility of laser treatment for periodontitis remains unresolved. Host modulation and risk-factor modification therapies may benefit select patient groups. Patient self-care is a critical part of periodontal health care, and twice-weekly oral rinsing with 0.10-0.25% sodium hypochlorite constitutes a valuable adjunct to conventional anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis treatments. A link between periodontal herpesviruses and systemic diseases is a strong biological plausibility. In summary, research during the past 25 years has significantly changed our concepts of periodontitis pathobiology and has produced more-effective and less-costly therapeutic options.

Herpesviruses in etiopathogenesis of aggressive periodontitis: A meta-analysis based on case-control studies

Objective

Previous studies have found that herpesviruses are associated with aggressive periodontitis (AgP). However, these findings are controversial. This meta-analysis was aimed at clarifying the association between herpesviruses and AgP.

Methods

We identified eligible case–control studies evaluating the association between herpesviruses and AgP from PubMed and Embase databases in October 2015. Original data were extracted and quality assessment was done. Overall odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated. Random-effects model was determined. The stability was evaluated by sensitivity analysis. Finally, Egger’s funnel plot was used to investigate the publication bias.

Results

Twelve case-control studies involving 322 patients and 342 controls were included in the present meta-analysis. The included case-control studies were assessed as high quality. The quantitative synthesis results for Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) showed significance (10 studies: p = 0.0008, OR = 6.11, 95% CI = 2.13–17.51); nevertheless, evidence of publication bias for EBV was considerable (EBV: Egger’s test, p<0.001). Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) had significant association with AgP (12 studies for HCMV: p = 0.009, OR = 3.63, 95% CI = 2.15–6.13; 4 studies for HSV-1: p<0.001, OR = 19.19, 95% CI = 4.16–79.06). Sensitivity analyses showed the results yielded consistency, and no significant publication bias was observed for HCMV. The association between Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and AgP was inconclusive (2 studies: p = 0.20, OR = 3.46, 95% CI = 0.51–23.51).

Conclusion

This meta-analysis suggests that HCMV and HSV-1 are significantly associated with AgP. However, due to the heterogeneity among studies these conclusions should be cautiously interpreted. There is insufficient evidence to draw any conclusion between EBV, HSV-2 and AgP based on the currently limited data.

Putative periodontopathic bacteria and herpes viruses interactions in the subgingival plaque of patients with aggressive periodontitis and healthy controls

The microbial profile of aggressive periodontitis patients is considered to be complex with variations among populations in different geographical areas. The aim of this study was to assess the presences of 4 putative periodontopathic bacteria (Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and Treponema denticola) and 2 periodontal herpes viruses (Epstein-Barr virus type 1 [EBV-1] and human cytomegalovirus [HMCV]) in subgingival plaque of Sudanese subjects with aggressive periodontitis and healthy controls. The study group consisted of 34 subjects, 17 aggressive periodontitis patients and 17 periodontally healthy controls (14-19 years of age). Pooled subgingival plaque samples were collected and analyzed for detection of bacteria and viruses using loop-mediated isothermal amplification. Prevalence of subgingival A. actinomycetemcomitans, HCMV, and P. gingivalis were significantly higher among aggressive periodontitis patients than periodontally healthy controls. Coinfection with A. actinomycetemcomitans, HCMV, and/or EBV-1 was restricted to the cases. Increased risk of aggressive periodontitis was the highest when A. actinomycetemcomitans was detected together with EBV-1 (OD 49.0, 95% CI [2.5, 948.7], p = .01) and HCMV (OD 39.1, 95% CI [2.0, 754.6], p = .02). In Sudanese patients, A. actinomycetemcomitans and HCMV were the most associated test pathogens with aggressive periodontitis.

Study of Porphyromonas gingivalis in periodontal diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: The mouth cavity hosts various types of anaerobic bacteria including Porphyromonas gingivalis, which causes periodontal inflammatory diseases. P. gingivalis is a gram-negative oral anaerobe and is considered as a main etiological factor in periodontal diseases. Several studies have reported a relationship between P. gingivalis in individuals with periodontal diseases and a critical role of this bacterium in the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases. The present study aimed at estimating this probability using a meta-analysis.

Methods: We searched several databases including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science to identify case-control studies addressing the relationship between P. gingivalis with periodontal diseases. A total of 49 reports published from different countries from 1993 to 2014 were included in this study. I² (heterogeneity index) statistics were calculated to examine heterogeneity. Data were analyzed using STATA Version 11.

Results: After a detailed analysis of the selected articles, 49 case-control studies with 5924 individuals fulfilled the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis. The healthy controls included 2600 healthy individuals with a Mean±SD age of 36.56±7.45 years. The periodontal diseases group included 3356 patients with a mean age of 43.62±8.35 years. There was a statistically significant difference between P. gingivalis in periodontal patients and healthy controls; 9.24 (95% CI: 5.78 to 14.77; P = 0.000). In the other word, there was a significant relationship between the presence of P. gingivalis and periodontal diseases.

Conclusion: Analyzing the results of the present study, we found a strong association between the presence of P. gingivalis and periodontal diseases. This result suggests that another research is needed to further assess this subject.

Herpes Simplex 1 and Periopathogen Role in Peri-implantitis

INTRODUCTION

The objectives of this study were to compare the qualitative and quantitative profiles of herpes simplex virus type I (HSV-1) in implant surfaces between participants with peri-implantitis (PI) and Healthy peri-implant tissues and to quantitatively assess the relation between HSV-1 and periopathogens inside the microbiological profile associated with PI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 40 patients with PI and 40 with healthy peri-implant tissues (HI) were recruited. Plaque samples from peri-implant sulcus and internal implant connections were analyzed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction to detect and quantify HSV-1 and periodonto-pathogens. Frequencies of detection and levels of microorganisms were compared between PI and HI; the frequencies and levels of periodontopathogens were compared between HSV-1+ and HSV-1- PI to assess qualitative relations between HSV-1 and bacteria. Correlation between HSV-1 and periodontopatho-gens levels was assessed in PI and HI.

RESULTS

A total of 77 dental implants affected by PI, and 113 HIs were included. The HSV-1 prevalence was slightly higher in PI compared with controls (33.3 vs 23.8%; p > 0.05); HSV-1 was detected in external samples more frequently compared with internal samples. The HSV-1-positive patients revealed higher median loads of Prevotella intermedia (Pi) and Campylobacter rectus (Cr) compared with HSV-1-negative patients. In the PI group, a significant positive correlation was evidenced between HSV-1 and Tannerella forsythia, Parvimonas micra (Pm), Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Cr levels, while in the HI, positive correlation between HSV-1 and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Pi, and Pm was established.

CONCLUSION

The HSV-1 prevalence cannot be used to identify PI. The HSV-1 was found in similar levels of PI and HI patients after an average of 6 years of loaded implants. The HSV-1 prevalence cannot be used to identify implants with or without the presence of PI.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Although HSV-1 is detected in PI site, HSV-1 may represent an unspecific indicator for the host response to the bacterial challenge observed in PI.

Comparative metagenomics reveals taxonomically idiosyncratic yet functionally congruent communities in periodontitis

The phylogenetic characteristics of microbial communities associated with periodontitis have been well studied, however, little is known about the functional endowments of this ecosystem. The present study examined 73 microbial assemblages from 25 individuals with generalized chronic periodontitis and 25 periodontally healthy individuals using whole genome shotgun sequencing. Core metabolic networks were computed from taxa and genes identified in at least 80% of individuals in each group. 50% of genes and species identified in health formed part of the core microbiome, while the disease-associated core microbiome contained 33% of genes and only 1% of taxa. Clinically healthy sites in individuals with periodontitis were more aligned with sites with disease than with health. 68% of the health-associated metagenome was dedicated to energy utilization through oxidative pathways, while in disease; fermentation and methanogenesis were predominant energy transfer mechanisms. Expanded functionality was observed in periodontitis, with unique- or over-representation of genes encoding for fermentation, antibiotic resistance, detoxification stress, adhesion, invasion and intracellular resistance, proteolysis, quorum sensing, Type III/IV secretion systems, phages and toxins in the disease-associated core microbiome. However, different species or consortia contributed to these functions in each individual. Several genes, but not species, demonstrated robust discriminating power between health and disease.

Putative periodontopathic bacteria and herpesviruses in pregnant women: a case-control study

Little is known about herpesvirus and putative periodontopathic bacteria in maternal chronic periodontitis. The present case-control study aimed to explore the potential relationship between putative periodontopathic bacteria and herpesviruses in maternal chronic periodontitis.Saliva samples were collected from 36 pregnant women with chronic periodontitis (cases) and 36 pregnant women with healthy periodontal status (controls). Six putative periodontopathic bacteria (Porphyromonas gingivalis [Pg], Aggregatibacer actinomycetemcomitans [Aa], Fusobacterium nucleatum [Fn], Prevotella intermedia [Pi], Tannerella forsythia [Tf], and Treponema denticola [Td]) and three herpesviruses (Epstein-Barr virus [EBV], human cytomegalovirus [HCMV], and herpes simplex virus [HSV]) were detected. Socio-demographic data and oral health related behaviors, and salivary estradiol and progesterone levels were also collected. The results showed no significant differences in socio-demographic background, oral health related behaviors, and salivary estradiol and progesterone levels between the two groups (all P > 0.05). The detection rates of included periodontopathic microorganisms were not significantly different between the two groups (all P > 0.05), but the coinfection rate of EBV and Pg was significantly higher in the case group than in the control group (P = 0.028). EBV and Pg coinfection may promote the development of chronic periodontitis among pregnant women.

Is there a common pathogenesis in aggressive periodontitis & ankylosing spondylitis in HLA-B27 patient?

HLA-B27 is having strong association to ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and other inflammatory diseases collectively known as seronegative spondyloarthropathy. In literature, although the evidence for association between AS and periodontitis as well as AS and HLA-B27 are there but the association of aggressive periodontitis in HLA-B27 positive patient with AS are not there. We hypothesize that there may be a common pathogenesis in aggressive periodontitis and ankylosing spondylitis in HLA-B27 patient. A 27-years-old female presented with the features of generalized aggressive periodontitis and difficulty in walking. On complete medical examination, ankylosing spondylitis was diagnosed with further positive HLA-B27 phenotype and negative rheumatic factor. This report may open up a new link to explore in the pathogenesis of aggressive periodontitis.

Association between Herpesviruses and Chronic Periodontitis: A Meta-Analysis Based on Case-Control Studies

OBJECTIVE

Numerous studies have investigated the associations between herpesviruses and chronic periodontitis; however, the results remain controversial. To derive a more precise estimation, a meta-analysis on all available studies was performed to identify the association between herpesviruses and chronic periodontitis.

METHODS

A computerized literature search was conducted in December 2014 to identify eligible case-control studies from the PUBMED and EMBASE databases according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were extracted and pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to assess the association between herpesviruses and risk of chronic periodontitis. A fixed or random effects model was determined based on a heterogeneity test. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to investigate stability and reliability. Publication bias was investigated using the Begg rank correlation test and Egger's funnel plot.

RESULTS

Ten eligible studies were included to investigate the association between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and chronic periodontitis. The results showed that EBV has a significant association with chronic periodontitis compared with periodontally healthy group (OR = 5.74, 95% CI = 2.53-13.00, P<0.001). The association between human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and chronic periodontitis was analyzed in 10 studies. The pooled result showed that HCMV also has a significant association with chronic periodontitis (OR = 3.59, 95% CI = 1.41-9.16, P = 0.007). Similar results were found in the sensitivity analyses. No significant publication bias was observed. Two eligible studies were included to investigate the association between herpes simplex virus (HSV) and chronic periodontitis risk. The association between HSV and chronic periodontitis was inconclusive (OR = 2.81 95% CI = 0.95-8.27, P = 0.06). Only one included study investigated the association between human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7) and chronic periodontitis risk (OR = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.21-4.86).

CONCLUSION

The findings of this meta-analysis suggest that two members of the herpesvirus family, EBV and HCMV, are significantly associated with chronic periodontitis. There is insufficient evidence to support associations between HSV, HHV-7 and chronic periodontitis.

Acute periodontal lesions

This review provides updates on acute conditions affecting the periodontal tissues, including abscesses in the periodontium, necrotizing periodontal diseases and other acute conditions that cause gingival lesions with acute presentation, such as infectious processes not associated with oral bacterial biofilms, mucocutaneous disorders and traumatic and allergic lesions. A periodontal abscess is clinically important because it is a relatively frequent dental emergency, it can compromise the periodontal prognosis of the affected tooth and bacteria within the abscess can spread and cause infections in other body sites. Different types of abscesses have been identified, mainly classified by their etiology, and there are clear differences between those affecting a pre-existing periodontal pocket and those affecting healthy sites. Therapy for this acute condition consists of drainage and tissue debridement, while an evaluation of the need for systemic antimicrobial therapy will be made for each case, based on local and systemic factors. The definitive treatment of the pre-existing condition should be accomplished after the acute phase is controlled. Necrotizing periodontal diseases present three typical clinical features: papilla necrosis, gingival bleeding and pain. Although the prevalence of these diseases is not high, their importance is clear because they represent the most severe conditions associated with the dental biofilm, with very rapid tissue destruction. In addition to bacteria, the etiology of necrotizing periodontal disease includes numerous factors that alter the host response and predispose to these diseases, namely HIV infection, malnutrition, stress or tobacco smoking. The treatment consists of superficial debridement, careful mechanical oral hygiene, rinsing with chlorhexidine and daily re-evaluation. Systemic antimicrobials may be used adjunctively in severe cases or in nonresponding conditions, being the first option metronidazole. Once the acute disease is under control, definitive treatment should be provided, including appropriate therapy for the pre-existing gingivitis or periodontitis. Among other acute conditions affecting the periodontal tissues, but not caused by the microorganisms present in oral biofilms, infectious diseases, mucocutaneous diseases and traumatic or allergic lesions can be listed. In most cases, the gingival involvement is not severe; however, these conditions are common and may prompt an emergency dental visit. These conditions may have the appearance of an erythematous lesion, which is sometimes erosive. Erosive lesions may be the direct result of trauma or a consequence of the breaking of vesicles and bullae. A proper differential diagnosis is important for adequate management of the case.

Microbiology of aggressive periodontitis

For decades, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans has been considered the most likely etiologic agent in aggressive periodontitis. Implementation of DNA-based microbiologic methodologies has considerably improved our understanding of the composition of subgingival biofilms, and advanced open-ended molecular techniques even allow for genome mapping of the whole bacterial spectrum in a sample and characterization of both the cultivable and not-yet-cultivable microbiota associated with periodontal health and disease. Currently, A. actinomycetemcomitans is regarded as a minor component of the resident oral microbiota and as an opportunistic pathogen in some individuals. Its specific JP2 clone, however, shows properties of a true exogenous pathogen and has an important role in the development of aggressive periodontitis in certain populations. Still, limited data exist on the impact of other microbes specifically in aggressive periodontitis. Despite a wide heterogeneity of bacteria, especially in subgingival samples collected from patients, bacteria of the red complex in particular, and those of the orange complex, are considered as potential pathogens in generalized aggressive periodontitis. These types of bacterial findings closely resemble those found for chronic periodontitis, representing a mixed polymicrobial infection without a clear association with any specific microorganism. In aggressive periodontitis, the role of novel and not-yet-cultivable bacteria has not yet been elucidated. There are geographic and ethnic differences in the carriage of periodontitis-associated microorganisms, and they need to be taken into account when comparing study reports on periodontal microbiology in different study populations. In the present review, we provide an overview on the colonization of potential periodontal pathogens in childhood and adolescence, and on specific microorganisms that have been suspected for their role in the initiation and progression of aggressive forms of periodontal disease.

The prevalence rate of Porphyromonas gingivalis and its association with cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

It seems that Porphyromanas gingivalis is carcinogenic, because it activates a number of inflammatory immune responses in the host and causes disorders in bacterial clearance mechanisms. There is little information on the prevalence of this bacterium in cancer patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the prevalence of P. gingivalis in cancer patients by meta-analysis methods.Different databases including PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, and ISI web of Knowledge were investigated and eight relevant articles published in 2000-2013 were finally analyzed. Data were analyzed by meta-analysis method, fixed effect model. I² statistics were calculated to examine the heterogeneity of papers. The information was analyzed by R and STATA Ver 12.2.A total of 711 people infected with P. gingivalis were included in this study. In total, the prevalence of P. gingivalis was 40.7% (95% CI, 19.3-62.1). The prevalence of P. gingivalis was evaluated in four case-control studies. The results of this study showed that P. gingivalis increased the chance of cancer development and periodontal disease as much as 1.36 times (OR, 1.36; 95%CI, 0.47-3.97).Although there was no significant correlation between P. gingivalis and cancer, this bacterium increased the chance of cancer and periodontal disease and could be considered as a main potential risk factor.

A 17-year old patient with DOCK8 deficiency, severe oral HSV-1 and aggressive periodontitis - a case of virally induced periodontitis?

We present a 17-year old girl with DOCK-8 deficiency, severe untreated oral HSV-1 infection and associated aggressive periodontitis. DOCK-8 deficiency is a primary immunodeficiency, caused by biallelicloss-of-function mutations in the DOCK8 gene, often leading to severe viral and fungal mucocutaneous infections. Nevertheless, to date DOCK8 has not been associated with severe periodontitis and inflammatory bone loss around teeth. Understanding whether DOCK8 deficiency or severe HSV-1 infection underlies susceptibility to periodontitis is central to this case and may provide insights into susceptibility factors for periodontitis in the general population. Our clinical and microbiological data suggest that severe HSV-1 infection is the driver of periodontal inflammation in this case.

Periodontal disease in HIV-infected adults in the HAART era: Clinical, immunological, and microbiological aspects

The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has decreased the incidence and prevalence of several oral manifestations such as oral candidiasis, hairy leukoplakia, and Kaposi's sarcoma in HIV-infected patients. Regarding periodontal disease the findings are not clear. This disease represents a group of chronic oral diseases characterized by infection and inflammation of the periodontal tissues. These tissues surround the teeth and provide periodontal protection (the gingival tissue) and periodontal support (periodontal ligament, root cementum, alveolar bone). Clinical, immunological, and microbiological aspects of these diseases, such as linear gingival erythema (LGE), necrotizing periodontal diseases (NPD) (necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis [NUG], necrotizing ulcerative periodontitis [NUP] and necrotizing stomatitis), and chronic periodontitis, have been widely studied in HIV-infected individuals, but without providing conclusive results. The purpose of this review was to contribute to a better overall understanding of the probable impact of HIV-infection on the characteristics of periodontal infections.

Investigação do vírus Epstein-Barr em pacientes com Periodontite Crônica

INTRODUÇÃO: Nos últimos anos, um número crescente de estudos sugere a participação dos herpesvírus na doença periodontal. OBJETIVO: Este trabalho investiga a relação entre a presença do herpesvírus Epstein-Barr (EBV) e a infecção periodontal em pacientes com periodontite crônica. METODOLOGIA: Foram coletadas amostras de biofilme subgengival de sítios com profundidades de sondagem de 4 a 6 mm e > 7 mm, de 28 pacientes com periodontite crônica. Como controles, foram incluídos 16 indivíduos, sistemicamente saudáveis e sem doença periodontal. Adicionalmente, parâmetros clínicos de profundidade de sondagem (PS), nível clínico de inserção (NCI) e índice de sangramento à sondagem (SS) foram registrados. RESULTADO: Os resultados demonstraram médias de 2,7 mm PS, 1,7 mm NCI e 0,3% dos sítios apresentaram SS. A investigação do EBV no biofilme subgengival dos grupos foi realizada por meio da reação em cadeia da polimerase com primer espécie-específico. Os resultados da análise viral indicaram ausência de EBV em todas as amostras subgengivais analisadas. CONCLUSÃO: A partir destes resultados, não foi encontrada relação entre a presença do herpesvírus Epstein-Barr e a periodontite crônica.

Failure to detect an association between aggressive periodontitis and the prevalence of herpesviruses

BACKGROUND

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) have been suspected to play a causal role in periodontitis pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of these viruses in subgingival plaque samples of Caucasian patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis compared to periodontally healthy controls.

METHODS

A total of 65 patients with aggressive periodontitis and 65 unmatched controls from Germany were investigated in the study. Subgingival plaque samples were analysed for the presence of HSV-1, EBV and HCMV by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assays. Viral antibody titres were determined quantitatively by immunosorbent assays.

RESULTS

DNA of HSV-1 and HCMV were detected in 1.5% of the patients and controls, whereas EBV DNA was present in 10.8% and 13.9% respectively. Detection rates of serum IgG against HSV-1 (76.1% versus 73.9%), EBV (98.5% versus 96.9%), HCMV (47.7% versus 46.2%) and IgM levels against HSV-1 (6.2% versus 1.5%), EBV (0% versus 0%), HCMV (0% versus 1.5%) did not significantly differ between patients and controls.

CONCLUSION

The data of our study do not suggest any contribution of HSV-1, EBV or HCMV to aggressive periodontitis in a German population. Ethnic and methodological aspects might have caused conflicting results of previous studies.

Low prevalence of subgingival viruses in periodontitis patients

BACKGROUND

Viruses such as Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) have been proposed to be periodontal pathogens. The aim of this study was to analyse the presence of herpesvirus DNA in subgingival plaque samples of patients with different forms of periodontitis and in healthy periodontia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 140 ethnically mixed (prevalently Caucasian) subjects took part in the study. Sixteen were affected by localized aggressive periodontitis (LAgP), 64 by generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP), 20 by chronic periodontitis (CP) and 40 were periodontally healthy. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses were performed to detect HCMV and EBV. Sera were tested for anti-HCMV and EBV IgG antibodies. PCRs for herpes simplex (HSV) and varicella zoster virus (VZV) were performed in subgingival samples from a subset of 20 AgP subjects.

RESULTS

HCMV DNA was not detected in any plaque samples. EBV DNA was detected in four LAgP (25%), two GAgP (3%) subjects and four healthy individuals (10%). HSV DNA and VZV DNA were not detected in the subset of studied individuals.

CONCLUSIONS

This study challenges the previously reported high prevalence of herpesvirus DNA in subgingival samples from periodontitis patients and so questions whether they act as pathogens in such patients.

Human cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus inhibit oral bacteria-induced macrophage activation and phagocytosis

INTRODUCTION

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition caused by periodontal microorganisms. Viruses such as human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) are associated with certain types of periodontal disease, but their roles in promoting the disease are unclear. Because both viruses infect human macrophages, cells which play key roles in the clearance of pathogenic bacteria, it is likely that the viruses alter the functional capacity of macrophages by inhibiting their defense mechanisms against invading pathogens.

METHODS

Macrophages preinfected with HCMV or EBV were evaluated following stimulation by selected oral bacteria. Bacteria-induced macrophage activation was assayed by measuring the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) produced in the media, and phagocytic activity was analysed by a phagocytosis assay with fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled bacteria. The virus-infected macrophages were also subjected to semi-quantitative polymerase chain reaction to measure the expression of toll-like receptor 9, which is involved in the activation of phagocytosis-related pathways.

RESULTS

Both HCMV and EBV significantly diminished the TNF-alpha production typically induced by oral bacteria, inhibited the phagocytic activity of macrophages, and downregulated the expression of toll-like receptor 9.

CONCLUSION

Infection by HCMV or EBV inhibits the functional ability of macrophages to respond to bacterial challenge, thereby suggesting their pathogenic role in the development of periodontal disease.

Detection of herpesviruses and periodontal pathogens in subgingival plaque of patients with chronic periodontitis, generalized aggressive periodontitis, or gingivitis

BACKGROUND

Herpesviruses may be related to the etiology of aggressive periodontitis (AgP) and chronic periodontitis (CP) by triggering periodontal destruction or by increasing the risk for bacterial infection. This case-control study evaluated the presence of herpes simplex virus type I (HSV-1), Epstein-Barr virus type I (EBV-1), human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (previously Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans), Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, and Tannerella forsythia (previously T. forsythensis) in patients with generalized AgP (AgP group), CP (CP group), or gingivitis (G group) and in healthy individuals (C group).

METHODS

Subgingival plaque samples were collected with paper points from 30 patients in each group. The nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was used to detect HSV-1, EBV-1, and HCMV. Bacteria were identified by 16S rRNA-based PCR.

RESULTS

HSV-1, HCMV, and EBV-1 were detected in 86.7%, 46.7%, and 33.3% of the AgP group, respectively; in 40.0%, 50.0%, and 46.7% of the CP group, respectively; in 53.3%, 40.0%, and 20.0% of the G group, respectively; and in 20.0%, 56.7%, and 0.0% of the C group, respectively. A. actinomycetemcomitans was detected significantly more often in the AgP group compared to the other groups (P <0.005). P. gingivalis and T. forsythia were identified more frequently in AgP and CP groups, and AgP, CP, and G groups had higher frequencies of P. intermedia compared to the C group.

CONCLUSION

In Brazilian patients, HSV-1 and EBV-1, rather than HCMV, were more frequently associated with CP and AgP.

Human cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus in apical and marginal periodontitis: a role in pathology?

Periodontitis is presumably caused by bacterial infection, but it has been shown recently that affected tissue often contains human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The present study was initiated to evaluate the role of these viruses in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. HCMV and EBV were quantified in 40 apical and 25 marginal periodontitis samples using real time PCR. In situ hybridization or immunohistochemistry was carried out on apical samples to detect viral presence within cells. A possible association with relevant bacteria was examined. Of the apical periodontitis samples, 50% contained EBV, while none contained HCMV. Of the marginal periodontitis samples, 40% were positive for EBV and 12% for HCMV. With one exception, however, the amount of virus was close to the detection limits. EBV was only detected in 1 out of 15 healthy periodontium samples. Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization were all negative. Significant associations were found between periodontal EBV and the presence of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis. Although there was an obvious association of the virus with clinical samples, it seems unlikely that these viruses play a major role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis of the average patient. Their presence may reflect that the clinical samples contain more blood or saliva compared to controls, or an accumulation of lymphoid cells harboring virus in the inflamed tissue.

Occurrence of herpes simplex virus 1 and three periodontal bacteria in patients with chronic periodontitis and necrotic pulp

Viral and bacterial associations appear to be implicated in the development of periodontal infections. Little information is available describing the periodontopathic agents in root canals with necrotic pulp. In this study, the occurrence and the combinations among herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and Dialister pneumosintes , Tannerella forsythia , and Treponema denticola in patients with chronic periodontitis and necrotic pulp were evaluated. Clinical samples from healthy subjects and patients with periodontal or pulp infections were analyzed using a nested polymerase chain reaction PCR to detect HSV and PCR to detect the 3 periodontal bacteria. The presence of Tannerella forsythia and Treponema denticola was observed in healthy, periodontitis, and necrotic pulp patients. HSV was observed in periodontitis and necrotic pulp patients, and no healthy subject harbored D. pneumosintes or HSV. The occurrence of Tannerella forsythia was not statistically significant in patients with necrotic pulp (P = 0.704). Periodontal bacteria were observed varying from 10.3% to 20.7% in periodontitis and necrotic pulp patients. The presence of Treponema denticola – HSV association was predominant in patients showing necrotic pulp (24.1%); however, HSV alone was observed in one patient with periodontitis and in another patient with necrotic pulp. The presence of double association among bacteria or bacteria – HSV could indicate a role in both periodontitis and necrotic pulp, and Tannerella forsythia – Treponema denticola – HSV and Tannerella forsythia – D. pneumosintes – Treponema denticola – HSV associations might be important in periodontitis.