Detection of Epstein-Barr virus in saliva by real-time PCR.

Idesawa M, Sugano N, Ikeda K, Oshikawa M, Takane M, Seki K, Ito K.

Oral Microbiol Immunol. 2004 Aug;19(4):230-2.

Department of Periodontology, Dental Reseach Center, Nihon University Graduate School of Dentistry, Tokyo, Japan.

The purpose of this investigation was to assess the salivary levels of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in patients with periodontitis using real-time PCR. EBV was detected in 16 out of 33 (48.5%) periodontitis patients and in 3 out of 20(15%) healthy subjects. The baseline mean values for bleeding on probing in EBV-positive patients were significantly higher than those in EBV-negative patients. A significant decrease in EBV levels was observed after initial periodontal treatment. Our findings indicate that levels of EBV in saliva may reflect the status of periodontal inflammation.