Use of local antiviral therapy for glossitis caused by the herpes virus type IV: a clinical experience

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This article discusses approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of glossitis caused by the herpes virus type IV using a local antiviral component (Epstein–Barr virus, EBV). The results of the clinical and laboratory picture of the disease in dynamics before and after treatment (3 and 6 months) were studied. Clinically significant results were obtained, confirming the effectiveness of the proposed treatment method. AIM: To develop a highly effective protocol for the treatment of EBV-related glossitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty patients aged 27–52 years diagnosed with EBV-related glossitis were examined. All patients underwent PCR diagnostics for HSV-1, HSV-2, EBV, CMV and herpes virus type 6 in saliva and EBV DNA in blood and serological examination for EBV antigens. An infectious disease specialist and local antiviral therapy, that is, appropriate gels/liniments, were included in the treatment for glossitis. Its clinical and laboratory efficacy was investigated 3 and 6 months after treatment. RESULTS: EBV was detected in all the examined patients, at a concentration of 14000–1200000 mg/ml. HSV-2 and CMV were often detected in the participants of this study (up to 70%) at a concentration of 720–12000 mg/ml, along with a low detection rate of HSV-1 and HSV-6 in saliva (up to 7%, respectively) at a concentration of 540–820 mg/ml. The viral load of EBV in the blood was detected in 15.2% of the patients (0.6–3.4 Ig 105 copies/ml). Analysis of the ELISA results revealed Ig class G to NA, VCA, and EBNA antigens of EBV. CONCLUSION: The use, along with a systemic, local antiviral component, is highly effective in the treatment of glossitis caused by EBV, including when EBV coexists with other types of herpes virus.