Absence of cytomegalovirus in gingivitis and chronic periodontitis in HIV-1 patients in Northern Brazil

INTRODUCTION: The influence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) on the progression of chronic periodontitis in HIV patients is poorly investigated. METHODS: ELISA was used for anti-CMV antibody IgG titer measurements and real-time polymerase chain reaction for qualitative and quantitative CMV detection. Data on the CD4 + T lymphocyte count and plasma HIV viral load were obtained from patient records. RESULTS: CMV DNA was detected in samples of subgingival biofilm in only three individuals, two of them with chronic periodontitis (4%) and one with gingivitis (3.3%). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of CMV is very low both in HIV-1 patients with gingivitis and chronic periodontitis.