Use of mixed saliva in the diagnosis of recurrent herpetic stomatitis in patients with dental problems: An interventional single-center, prospective, randomized, uncontrolled study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Recurrent herpetic stomatitis, also known as oral herpes, is one of the most common viral diseases of the oral cavity. Currently, saliva is widely used in innovative diagnostic methods. However, there are only limited data supporting the diagnostic value of salivary biomarkers in herpes infections. AIM: To establish the informative value of using the wedge-shaped dehydration method and the express method for determining salivary amylase activity in patients with recurrent herpetic stomatitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Diagnosis of recurrent herpes stomatitis was carried out based on the results of a clinical examination and confirmed using molecular genetic (PCR with real-time detection) and serological studies (ELISA — VectoHSV-IgG test system). For non-invasive diagnosis of recurrent herpetic stomatitis, we used crystallography methods — wedge-shaped dehydration of oral fluid and an express method for determining salivary amylase activity. The study included 26 patients with HHS in the acute stage (frequency of exacerbations of 4 or more per year) and 14 patients in the control group with no history of episodes of herpetic stomatitis. RESULTS: The results of crystallography of mixed saliva and determination of salivary amylase activity in patients diagnosed with recurrent herpes before and after treatment are presented. Specific changes in facies in the protein zone were established during wedge-shaped dehydration during the exacerbation period and an increase in salivary amylase activity in patients with recurrent herpetic stomatitis in the acute stage. CONCLUSION: To confirm the diagnosis of recurrent herpetic stomatitis at a dental appointment, a non-invasive method of wedge-shaped dehydration using samples of mixed saliva is recommended, and to determine the effectiveness of treatment, along with clinical indicators, the most informative is a rapid test based on a study of the level of amylase in mixed saliva.