PORTLAND, Ore -- November 10, 2008 -- Researchers have found that a significant percentage of dental patients irreversible pulpitis and apical periodontitis also have the Epstein-Barr virus. The study was published early online and will appear in the December 2008 issue of the Journal of Endodontics.
Curt Machida, PhD, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, and colleagues assessed the presence of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EPV), herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), and Varicella zoster virus (VZV) in 82 endodontic patients, including patients with irreversible pulpitis and apical periodontitis, and compared them with 19 healthy patients.
The goal of the study was to determine the potential association of herpesvirus with clinical symptoms, including acute pain and size of radiographic bone destruction.
Using a variety of methods, researchers found the Epstein-Barr virus DNA and RNA in significantly higher percentages (43.9% and 25.6%) compared with healthy patients (0 percent). Human cytomegalovirus DNA and RNA were found in measurable numbers in both endodontic patients (15.9% and 29.3%) and in healthy patients (42.1% and 10.5%).
Herpes simplex virus DNA was found in low percentages of endodontic patients (13.4%) and only one patient showed the presence of Varicella zoster virus.
While a previous study examined the incidence of herpes viruses in apical periodontitis, "this is the first time irreversible pulpitis has been analysed for the presence of herpes viruses and associated with Epstein-Barr virus," said Dr. Machida.
"The incidence of irreversible pulpitis and apical periodontitis, caused by bacteria and possibly the latent herpes virus, is painful and can greatly impair the body's natural immune system. Studies such as ours could someday lead to more effective treatments of inflammatory diseases of the mouth."
SOURCE: Oregon Health & Science University
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