Influence of glycemic control on Epstein-Bar and Cytomegalovirus infection in periodontal pocket of type 2 diabetic subjects

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of glycemic control on the frequency of Epstein-Bar (EBV) and Cytomegalovirus (CMV) in periodontal pockets of type 2 diabetic subjects with chronic periodontitis. Design: Forty-six subjects presenting generalized chronic periodontitis and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) were selected for this study. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to determine the presence of EBV and CMV in shallow [Probing Depth (PD) ≤ 3 mm], moderate (PD = 4-6 mm) and deep (PD > 7 mm) pockets. HbA1c levels ≤7%, >7 to <10%, and ≥10% defined good, moderate and poor glycemic control, respectively. Results: Higher frequency of EBV was found in the shallow pockets of the subjects with poor glycemic control (p < 0.05; chi-square test). Moreover, EBV-free subjects presented moderate or good glycemic control. Glycemic control did not influence the frequency of CMV in all pocket categories. Conclusion: Poor glycemic control in type 2 diabetic subjects can increase the occurrence of EBV in shallow periodontal pockets.