Impact of herpesvirus infection on local immunity in patients with chronic generalised periodontitis

Background. Periodontal diseases are the most common dental diseases observed in people of all ages. Despite the multifactorial etiology and pathogenesis, the major factor in the development and progression of chronic generalized periodontitis are microorganisms colonizing periodontal pockets and destroying periodontal tissues. Compromised local immunity plays an important role in managing their pathogenicity, contributing to the generalized inflammation. The increased frequency of herpes viral infections, suppressing local immune mechanisms and complicating inflammation, shows the relevance of studying their direct role in the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases. Purpose – is to determine the impact of herpesvirus infection on the state of local immunity in patients with chronic generalized periodontitis as an important factor in modulating the progression of the disease. Materials and Methods. 93 patients with second-degree generalized periodontitis associated with herpesvirus infection were examined: 24 patients with herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) – Group 1; 26 patients with HSV-1 and chronic Epstein-Barr virus infection (CEBVI) – Group 2; 25 patients with CEBVI infection – Group 3. The experimental group (Group 4) included 18 patients with second-degree generalized periodontitis with no herpesvirus infection. The control group included 20 patients (Group K) with no periodontal diseases and clinical signs of herpesvirus infection, who were considered practically healthy. The patients were 25–45 years old. The local immunity was assessed in terms of the levels of lysozyme, defensins, sIgA, mIgA, IgG, and extracellular peroxidase activity in the oral fluid. The cellular composition of periodontal pockets was assessed using swabs taken from periodontal pockets and stained with Azur II Eosin. Results. It has been established that the levels of lysozyme, defensins, and sIgA are significantly lower in patients with generalized periodontitis with herpesvirus infection than in patients with no herpesvirus infection. The largest changes in mucosal immunity in patients with generalized periodontitis with herpesvirus infection were observed in patients with HSV-1 + CEBVI infection. Patients with herpesvirus infection also had fewer unchanged and more destroyed epithelial cells, fewer unchanged neutrophilic granulocytes, and an increased percentage of monocytes and lymphocytes in periodontal pockets compared to patients with no herpesvirus infection. Conclusions. Due to herpesvirus infection, patients with generalized periodontitis observe a decrease in local immunity, affecting the degree of microbial colonization of the periodontal apparatus and maintaining chronic inflammation in periodontal tissues.