Official publication of Magadh University and Kolhan University, Government of Bihar and Jharkhand, India
Year : 2024
Volume : Volume 16
Issue : Issue 1
Address for correspondence :
Dr. Satya Prakash
anujsingh146@gmail.com
Background: Chronic periodontitis is an inflammatory disease of the supporting tissues of the teeth, often exacerbated by microbial infection. Recent studies suggest that viral infections, particularly herpesviruses, may play a role in the progression of periodontitis. The presence of herpesviruses, such as human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), may contribute to the severity of periodontal disease, especially in patients with systemic conditions like type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of herpesviruses in chronic periodontitis patients with and without T2DM. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 patients were enrolled in this clinical study, divided into two groups: 50 patients diagnosed with chronic periodontitis and T2DM (group 1) and 50 patients with chronic periodontitis but without T2DM (group 2). Clinical parameters, including probing depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), and bleeding on probing (BOP), were assessed. Subgingival plaque samples were collected from both groups, and the presence of herpesviruses (HCMV, EBV) was detected using polymerase chain reaction techniques. Data were analyzed using Chi-square tests and logistic regression to evaluate the association between herpesvirus prevalence and T2DM. Results: The prevalence of herpesviruses was significantly higher in group 1 (patients with T2DM and chronic periodontitis) compared to group 2. HCMV was detected in 35% of patients in group 1 and 20% in group 2 (P = 0.03), while EBV was detected in 40% of group 1 and 25% of group 2 (P = 0.05). The clinical parameters (PD, CAL, BOP) were more severe in patients with herpesvirus infection, particularly in group 1. Logistic regression analysis showed a significant correlation between T2DM, herpesvirus presence, and periodontal disease severity (OR = 2.5, P = 0.02). Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that herpesvirus infections, particularly HCMV and EBV, are more prevalent in chronic periodontitis patients with T2DM compared to those without T2DM. The presence of these viruses may exacerbate periodontal tissue destruction, indicating the need for targeted antiviral therapies in managing periodontitis in diabetic patients.