Background and Aims:Recent microbiological researches have revealed the possible role of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), Epstein barr virus (EBV), and herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2) in the etiopathogenesis of periodontal diseases. The present pilot study has been undertaken to detect the presence of these viruses in chronic periodontitis, aggressive periodontitis, and healthy individuals and to determine the relationship between these viruses and the clinical parameters.Materials and Methods:A total of 10 patients belonging to the age group of 18 to 55 years were included. The patients were randomly assigned into periodontally healthy (sulcus depth ≤ 3 mm), chronic periodontitis, and aggressive periodontitis with pockets measuring ≥6 mm. Seventy-five subgingival plaque samples (25 samples from each group) were collected and subjected to multiplex polymerase chain reaction for the detection of presence of HCMV, EBV, HSV-1, and HSV-2. The results were analyzed using one-way ANOVA for multiple group comparisons followed by Student's t-test for pair-wise comparisons. Categorical data was analyzed by Fisher's exact test.Results:HSV-1 was detected in 76% (P<0.001) of sites with chronic periodontitis and 80% (P<0.001) sites with aggressive periodontitis. EBV was detected in 32% (P<0.05) of sites with chronic periodontitis and aggressive periodontitis. The probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level was statistically significant in HSV-1 detected sites compared with undetected sites in aggressive periodontitis patientsConclusion:Among these viruses HSV-1 and EBV were found to be significantly associated with destructive periodontal disease, including chronic and aggressive periodontitis. Further, HSV-1 was found to be associated with severity and progression of destructive periodontal disease.

Oral administration of the probiotic lactobacilli reduced the numerical sum of the three selected periodontopathic bacteria and could contribute to the beneficial effects on periodontal conditions.

Mucoepidermoid carcinomas (MECs) of minor salivary gland origin are rare in children and adolescents and have been reported rarely. Literature regarding their clinical features and biologic behavior is scanty. The purpose of this case report is to discuss the clinical manifestation, diagnosis, and treatment plan of MEC of the palate. A 16-year-old male subject visited the Department of Periodontics, The Oxford Dental College and Hospital, Bangalore, India complaining of a painless swelling in the left posterior area of the hard palate since 6 months. Several clinical, radiographic, and histopathological investigations were carried out to rule out the lesion. Incisional biopsy of the lesion confirmed the diagnosis of lesion as MEC of the palate following which a wide surgical excision with adjacent free margins was carried out. This case report highlights the need for proper diagnosis and treatment plan in the cases of malignant tumors as it can lead to morbidity and mortality.

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Background and objectivesProinflammatory cytokines appear to have a central role in the destruction of periodontal tissues. By binding to Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor κb (RANK) on osteoclast progenitor cells, these cytokines are locally responsible for the activation of bone resorbing osteoclasts differentiation and function. Interleukin-34 (IL-34) is a proinflammatory cytokine derived from the osteoblasts and plays an important role in osteoclastogenesis. The present study was carried out to assess the levels of IL-34 in Gingival Crevicular Fluid (GCF) in periodontally healthy patients, chronic periodontitis and aggressive periodontitis.Materials and methodA total of 90 patients were recruited in the study and were divided into 3 groups: Periodontally healthy patients (Group I), Chronic periodontitis (Group II) and Aggressive periodontitis (Group III). Clinical Parameters like plaque index, gingival index, probing depth, clinical attachment levels were recorded and GCF samples were collected at baseline for the assessment of IL-34 levels in all the three groups. IL-34 levels were calculated using Enzyme-Linked Immune-Sorbent Assay (ELISA).ResultsThe mean GCF levels of IL-34 in Group I was 47.22 ± 18.04 pg/ml, Group II was 103.76 ± 26.61 pg/ml and in Group III was 191.71 ± 49.24 pg/ml. The mean GCF IL-34 level was found to be higher in Group III followed by Group II and Group I. The IL-34 levels correlated with clinical parameters like plaque index, gingival index, probing depth, clinical attachment levels. But correlation with probing depth and clinical attachment level were significantly higher in Group III followed by Group II and Group I.Interpretation and conclusionThe study demonstrated higher levels of IL-34 in aggressive periodontitis when compared with chronic periodontitis. IL-34, a novel diagnostic marker which was found to be at higher level in GCF of aggressive and chronic periodontitis patients.