Comparative real-time PCR quantification of cytomegalovirus in severe early childhood caries and caries-free children.

PURPOSE: The present study was undertaken to evaluate cytomegalovirus (CMV) load in carious lesions in children with severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) and compare it with caries-free (CF), healthy children, by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dental plaque samples were collected from 57 subjects including S-ECC (n = 33) and CF (n = 24) patients. The two groups were matched in terms of age, gender, and socioeconomic status. After deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extraction, SYBR Green real-time PCR was used to quantify CMV DNA. RESULTS: The CMV DNA was detected in seven patients in the S-ECC group. The mean of decayed, missing, and filled tooth surfaces (dmfs) was 11.90 +/- 5.95 in the S-ECC group. There was no significant difference in gender between the two groups. There was a significant relationship between CMV positivity in children and the S-ECC group (p = 0.043). CONCLUSION: Results of this study suggest a relationship between the presence of CMV in the oral cavity and S-ECC. We can design clinical trials to confirm these results and improve children's dental care.