Detection of Human Viruses in Patients With Chronic Periodontitis and the Relationship Between Viruses and Clinical Parameters

Background: Recent studies have demonstrated that various human viruses, especially cytomegalovirus (HCMV), Epstein‐Barr virus type‐1 (EBV‐1), and herpes simplex virus (HSV), seem to play a part in the pathogenesis of human periodontitis. Little information is available on the relationship between these viruses and clinical periodontal parameters in patients with chronic periodontitis. This study examined the occurrence of HCMV, EBV‐1, and HSV in patients with chronic periodontitis and the relationship between these viruses and clinical parameters. Methods: A nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method determined the presence of HCMV, EBV‐1, and HSV. Subgingival plaque samples from 30 patients with chronic periodontitis and 21 randomly selected healthy controls were collected by paper points, and clinical measurements were recorded from both sampling sites and entire dentition. The following indices were measured: plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment loss (CAL). Results: HCMV was detected in 44.3% of chronic periodontitis patients and 14.3% of healthy persons (P