and Human Cytomegalovirus Co-Infection: A Potential Link Between Periodontal Disease and Oral Cancer Development.

UNLABELLED

Periodontal disease (PD) is an inflammatory condition that can contribute to the development of oral cancer. Chronic inflammation from PD can lead to the release of inflammatory mediators and growth factors that promote tumorigenesis. () is one of several pathogens implicated in PD and its potential link to oral cancer. However, other viral infections, such as human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), can also contribute to chronic inflammation, creating a favorable environment for oral cancer development.

OBJECTIVES

The present literature review tries to investigate the possible influence of and HCMV co-infection in fostering the development of oral cancer and chronic periodontitis.

METHODS

A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar, focusing on the relevance and significance of articles that examine the role of and HCMV in periodontal disease and oral cancer.

RESULTS

The evidence suggests that and HCMV may act synergistically to modulate host immunity, disrupt epithelial integrity, and interfere with key cellular pathways. These interactions may enhance tissue destruction and foster a microenvironment conducive to malignant transformation. However, most of these findings stem from in vitro models and small-scale clinical studies, limiting the generalizability and clinical relevance of current conclusions.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the proposed interaction between and HCMV provides a compelling framework for understanding how microbial co-infections may influence oral cancer, the evidence remains preliminary and largely associative. To support these mechanistic hypotheses, future studies should give top priority to in vivo models, bigger patient cohorts, and longitudinal clinical studies.