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

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.