Prevalence of Human Cytomegalovirus in Radicular Cyst in Routine Oral Pathology Service

Abstract

Background: Radicular cysts are common inflammatory odontogenic lesions associated with chronic periapical infections. Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a widespread herpesvirus, has been implicated in various oral inflammatory conditions, but its role in radicular cysts remains unclear.
Objective: To investigate the presence of HCMV in radicular cyst specimens using immunohistochemical staining.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed 45 radicular cyst specimens collected from patients undergoing tooth extractions at Taibah University Dental Hospital. Clinical and radiographic examinations confirmed chronic periapical lesions. Specimens were fixed in 10% formalin and processed for histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation. A mouse monoclonal antibody targeting HCMV (clones 8B1.2, 1G5.2, 2D4.2) was used. CMV expression was categorized as “Focal positive,” “Generalized positive,” or “None.” Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0.
Results: Among the 45 specimens, 8 (17.8%) were focal positive, 2 (4.4%) were generalized positive, and 35 (77.8%) showed no CMV expression. Overall, CMV was detected in 10 cases (22.2%) when focal positive and generalized positive categories were combined.
Conclusion: HCMV was identified in a subset of radicular cyst specimens. These findings suggest a potential viral component in the pathogenesis or persistence of some periapical lesions, warranting further investigation.