Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in periodontal sites of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals in North Brazil: a cross-sectional study

• Published in: Quintessence international (Berlin, Germany : 1985) Vol. 51; no. 1; p. 18
• Main Authors: Jácome-Santos, Humberto, Amanajás, Thalita de Almeida, Gomes, Samara Tatielle Monteiro, Machado, Luiz Fernando Almeida, Pereira Neto, Armando Rodrigues Lopes, Alves Junior, Sérgio de Melo, Pinheiro, João de Jesus Viana, Alves, Bruno Pereira, Amoras-Alves, Ana Cláudia Braga
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany 2020
• Subjects: Brazil; Cross-Sectional Studies; DNA, Viral; Herpesvirus 4, Human; HIV; HIV Infections; Humans; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Quality of Life; Brazil; HIV-1; periodontal pocket; periodontal diseases; Epstein-Barr virus (EBV); antiretroviral therapy; human herpesvirus-4
• ISSN: 1936-7163
• DOI: 10.3290/j.qi.a43616

This study aimed to investigate the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) prevalence and viral load in subgingival sites of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) positive (HIV+) individuals, correlating subgingival EBV load to the clinical periodontal condition, HIV systemic load, EBV systemic load, and use of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Ninety individuals were recruited and divided into three categories: those without periodontal disease (G1), with gingivitis (G2), and with periodontitis (G3). Subgingival biofilm and blood samples were analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reactions (qPCR). A questionnaire was administered to collect general information about patients, and data regarding HIV and use of ART were accessed from their medical records. EBV was detected in 85.6% of the samples. Comparing subgingival and systemic load of EBV in G1, G2, and G3, there was a statistical difference only in G3 (3.93 log10 copies/mL and 5.47 log10 copies/mL, respectively; P = .014), where EBV load was higher in periodontal pockets than in the blood. All groups had high EBV loads in subgingival sites (> 2,000 copies/mL). A positive linear correlation between systemic HIV load and EBV subgingival load was found in G1 and G2 (r = 0.647; P < .001), but not in G3. Only G1 individuals using ART had lower subgingival EBV loads than those not using it (5.03 log10 copies/mL, and 7.14 log10 copies/mL, respectively; P = .0348). Subgingival sites, especially the periodontal pockets, are suggested to act as a reservoir of EBV in HIV+ individuals. Therefore, the identification of latent EBV infections in this easily accessible site might help to improve quality of life in patients with HIV by maintaining oral/periodontal health. In addition it might encourage new approaches in investigating EBV-associated disorders in HIV+ patients.