Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
Pivot Concepts:   Target Concepts:
Query: UMLS:C0031099 (periodontitis)
 12,489 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Irreversible pulpitis and apical periodontitis are inflammatory diseases caused by opportunistic bacteria with possible co-infection with latent herpesviruses. The objectives of this study are to identify herpesviruses, including human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), and Varicella zoster virus (VZV) in patients with irreversible pulpitis (n = 29) or apical periodontitis, either primary (n = 30) or previously treated (n = 23). Using primary and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse transcription-PCR, EBV DNA and RNA were present in endodontic pathoses in significantly higher percentages (43.9% and 25.6%, respectively) compared with healthy pulp controls (0% and 0%, respectively). HCMV DNA and RNA were found in measurable numbers in both endodontic patients (15.9% and 29.3%, respectively) and in healthy pulp controls (42.1% and 10.5%, respectively). HSV-1 DNA was found in low percentages in endodontic patients (13.4%), and only one patient showed the presence of VZV. In conclusion, EBV may be associated with irreversible pulpitis and apical periodontitis.
 ...
PMID:Herpesviruses in endodontic pathoses: association of Epstein-Barr virus with irreversible pulpitis and apical periodontitis. 1908 19

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is responsible for the primary infection chickenpox. After the initial infection, it remains latent but can reactivate, resulting in shingles (herpes zoster). Previous reports have implicated VZV in the pathogenesis of apical periodontitis, but the involvement of the virus has not been investigated fully. The present case describes a patient who suffered from a severe episode of shingles and subsequently developed periapical radiolucencies of all the teeth in the affected nerve distribution. Molecular and culture techniques showed the presence of VZV DNA in the root canal system in the absence of bacteria. This confirms that VZV can cause localized pulp necrosis and apical periodontitis. The lesions healed after endodontic treatment, implying chemomechanical debridement using sodium hypochlorite irrigation and a calcium hydroxide interim dressing may be effective against the virus.
...
PMID:Multiple Apical Radiolucencies and External Cervical Resorption Associated with Varicella Zoster Virus: A Case Report. 2713 3