Cytomegalovirus occurrence in chronic periodontitis and in carcinoma of the cervix: an exploratory study.

AIMS To explore the following in a group of carcinoma cervix patients with chronic periodontitis: The possible association of the Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in chronic periodontitis and carcinoma of the cervix by examining the presence of HCMV (Human Cytomegalovirus) in saliva, Gingival Crevicular Fluid (G.C.F.) and in cervical biopsy samples and by comparing the clinical parameters among the Human Cytomegalovirus(HCMV) detected and the undetected sites. The possible association of chronic periodontitis and carcinoma of the cervix by assessing the common occurrence of HCMV in saliva, GCF and cervical biopsies. MATERIAL AND METHODS Sixteen female subjects who were aged 35 to 65 years, who were diagnosed with carcinoma of the cervix were selected. All the subjects underwent a clinical evaluation for their periodontal conditions. Cervical biopsies, saliva and GCF samples were obtained from all the participants and these were subjected to HCMV detection by using the nested PCR method. RESULTS HCMV has been detected in the cervical biopsies of 68.75 % patients, in the GCF samples of 75 % patients and in the saliva samples of 37.5 % patients. The clinical parameters i.e. probing pocket depth (P<0.008) and the clinical attachment level (P<0.026) were statistically significant in the GCF samples of the sites which were positive for HCMV as compared to those in the sites which were negative for HCMV. In 56% patients, HCMV was detected in both the cervical biopsies and the GCF samples. In 25% patients, HCMV was detected in both the cervical biopsies and the saliva samples. CONCLUSION The results are suggestive of a possible association of the HCMV occurrence in chronic periodontitis and a possible association of the HCMV occurrence and carcinoma of the cervix. An association between chronic periodontitis and carcinoma of the cervix cannot be elucidated with the available data, since the values are statistically insignificant. Hence, further research incorporating systemic inflammatory parameters would be necessary.