prevalence of cytomegal and epstein barr viruses among patients with aggressive periodontitis

objective: assessment of subgingival human cytomegalovirus (hcmv) and epstein barr virus (ebv-1) in subjects with aggressive periodontitis. materials and methods: samples were obtained from plaques formed in subgingival regions of 26 aggressive periodontitis patients. all specimens were submitted to polymerase chain reaction in order to detect hcmv and ebv-1. results: hcmv and ebv-1 were observed in 27% and 25% of the participants respectively. coinfection with both viruses was found in 52% of the patients. conclusion: within the limitations of the present study, it can be suggested that hcmv and ebv-1 in subgingival plaques may be associated with aggressive periodontitis. additionally, concomitant occurrence of these viruses may negatively affect the wellbeing of periodontal tissues