Detection of Virus Herpes Simplex Type 1 in Patients with Chronic Periodontal Disease

BACKGROUND: Periodontal disease is an inflammatory-destructive condition of the supporting tissues of the teeth. Microorganisms found in the dental plaque were considered to be the primary local etiologic factor responsible for the periodontal destruction. It is also evident that herpes simplex viruses may have an impact in the etiopathogenesis of periodontal disease. AIM: This study has been made with the aim to analyse the prevalence of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) in the dental plaque (supra- and subgingival) of patients with the chronic periodontal disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study comprised a total of 89 patients with chronic periodontal disease divided into two groups (patients with moderate and severe periodontitis). Supragingival dental plaque samples were taken with sterile cotton (supragingival), and subgingival dental plaque samples were taken with paper absorbents. Samples were subjected to extraction of DNA and further analysis with multiplex PCR for the presence of herpes viral DNA. RESULTS: HSV-1 virus was detected In 24.7% of all patients included in the study. HSV-1 was detected in 22.2% of patients with the moderate stage of the disease, of which in all (100%) in the supragingival plaque samples and only 16.7% in subgingival plaque samples. In two patients HSV-1 was concomitantly detected in supra and subgingival plaque samples. In patients with advanced stage of the disease, the HSV-1 virus was detected in 28.6% patients. In two of the patients, HSV-1 was concomitantly detected in supra and subgingival plaque samples. Statistically, a significant difference was found in HSV-1 positive patients with a moderate stage of disease, between the presence of the virus in subgingival (100%) and subgingival (16.7%) dental plaque samples, p < 0.05. CONCLUSION: Herpes simplex viruses type 1 are present in supragingival and subgingival dental plaque.