Viruses: A Paradox in Etiopathogenesis of Periodontal Diseases.

Abstract

The purpose of this review is to fill the gap in knowledge of etiopathogenesis of human virus in periodontal diseases. Viruses may play an important role in pathogenesis of periodontal diseases. The role of viruses is significant, as they may induce abnormalities in the adhesion, chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and bactericidal activities of polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Associated with one another, viruses and bacteria have stronger periodontopathogenic potential than individually. It has also been suggested that gingival infection with certain herpes viruses, decreases the resistance of the periodontal tissue, thereby permitting subgingival overgrowth of periodontal pathogenic bacteria and thus, indirectly leading to periodontitis. For full understanding of viruses in periodontal disease, it is significant to know all etiologic factors and such an insight would lead to the better treatment of the disease.