Herpesvirus periodontitis: infection beyond biofilm

J Calif Dent Assoc. 2011 Jun;39(6):393-9.

Abstract

Herpesviruses, including Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus, occur at high copy counts in aggressive periodontitis, and may interact synergistically with periodontopathic bacteria in the etiology of the disease. Herpesvirus active periodontal infections may impair local host defenses and thus increase the aggressiveness of resident periodontopathic bacteria. The bacteria, in turn, may augment the virulence of the herpesviruses. The abundance of herpesviruses in periodontitis redefines the pathogenic paradigm of the disease and may have significant clinical implications.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Infections / complications*
  • Bacterial Infections / microbiology
  • Biofilms
  • Herpesviridae / pathogenicity
  • Herpesviridae Infections / complications*
  • Herpesviridae Infections / microbiology
  • Herpesviridae Infections / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Microbial Consortia
  • Microbial Interactions*
  • Periodontitis / complications
  • Periodontitis / microbiology*
  • Periodontitis / therapy
  • Viral Load