Journal of Endodontics
Volume 35, Issue 1 , Pages 23-29, January 2009

Herpesviruses in Endodontic Pathoses: Association of Epstein-Barr Virus with Irreversible Pulpitis and Apical Periodontitis

  • Hong Li, DDS, MSc, PhD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Endodontology, Oregon Health & Science University, School of Dentistry, Portland, Oregon
  • ,
  • Vicky Chen, BS

      Affiliations

    • Department of Integrative Biosciences, Oregon Health & Science University, School of Dentistry, Portland, Oregon
    • Academic DMD Program, Oregon Health & Science University, School of Dentistry, Portland, Oregon
  • ,
  • Yanwen Chen, PhD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Integrative Biosciences, Oregon Health & Science University, School of Dentistry, Portland, Oregon
    • Academic DMD Program, Oregon Health & Science University, School of Dentistry, Portland, Oregon
  • ,
  • J. Craig Baumgartner, DDS, MSc, PhD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Endodontology, Oregon Health & Science University, School of Dentistry, Portland, Oregon
  • ,
  • Curtis A. Machida, PhD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Integrative Biosciences, Oregon Health & Science University, School of Dentistry, Portland, Oregon
    • Corresponding Author InformationAddress requests for reprints to Dr Curtis A. Machida, Department of Integrative Biosciences, Oregon Health & Science University, School of Dentistry, 611 SW Campus Drive, Portland, OR 97239

published online 03 November 2008.

Abstract 

Irreversible pulpitis and apical periodontitis are inflammatory diseases caused by opportunistic bacteria with possible co-infection with latent herpesviruses. The objectives of this study are to identify herpesviruses, including human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), and Varicella zoster virus (VZV) in patients with irreversible pulpitis (n = 29) or apical periodontitis, either primary (n = 30) or previously treated (n = 23). Using primary and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse transcription-PCR, EBV DNA and RNA were present in endodontic pathoses in significantly higher percentages (43.9% and 25.6%, respectively) compared with healthy pulp controls (0% and 0%, respectively). HCMV DNA and RNA were found in measurable numbers in both endodontic patients (15.9% and 29.3%, respectively) and in healthy pulp controls (42.1% and 10.5%, respectively). HSV-1 DNA was found in low percentages in endodontic patients (13.4%), and only one patient showed the presence of VZV. In conclusion, EBV may be associated with irreversible pulpitis and apical periodontitis.

Key Words: Apical cyst, apical granuloma, apical periodontitis, endodontic infections, Epstein-Barr virus, herpes simplex virus, herpesviruses, human cytomegalovirus, irreversible pulpitis, Varicella zoster virus

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 Supported by research funds from the American Association of Endodontists Foundation (fellowship award to HL), the Oregon Clinical and Translational Research Institute (OCTRI; grant number UL1 RR024140), the National Center for Research Resources (NCRR, a component of the National Institutes of Health [NIH]), and NIH Roadmap for Medical Research. VC was a 2007 OCTRI Student Research Fellow and is a 2008 OSLER Student Research Fellow. YC is a 2008 OCTRI Summer Research Fellow. JCB and CAM are supported with funds provided by the OHSU School of Dentistry.

PII: S0099-2399(08)00879-0

doi:10.1016/j.joen.2008.09.017

Journal of Endodontics
Volume 35, Issue 1 , Pages 23-29, January 2009