Detection of herpesviruses and human papillomavirus in acute apical abscesses by real-time PCR

The recent use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based molecular methods to detect herpesviruses in periradicular lesions has suggested that some herpesviruses, especially human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can participate in the pathogenesis of the periradicular lesions. Based on the applicability of molecular techniques for virus identification, the aim of the study was to investigate the presence of HCMV, EBV, and human papillomavirus (HPV) in samples from acute apical abscesses. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in Turkish population to survey apical abscess samples for the presence of herpesviruses and HPV. Microbial samples were collected from 27 apical abscess specimens and 6 control samples. DNA was extracted from clinical samples by using spin column-based nucleic acid purification method, and viral loads were evaluated using real-time PCR methods following the kit protocols recommended by the manufacturers. HCMV DNA was found alone in five (18.5 %) samples, EBV DNA alone in two (7.4 %), HPV DNA alone in two (7.4 %), and in one, both HCMV and EBV (4 %). As for the healthy pulps used as noninflamed controls, no control specimens contained HCMV, EBV, or HPV DNA. The present PCR-based findings have identified HCMV, EBV, and HPV as an inhabitant of acute apical abscesses. Additional studies using in vitro or animal model systems are required to elucidate the role of HCMV, EBV, and HPV in the pathogenesis of periapical pathosis. The present viral findings may have future therapeutic relevance for periapical abscesses and other periapical pathosis.