Detection of Epstein–Barr virus in saliva by real‐time PCR

The purpose of this investigation was to assess the salivary levels of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) in patients with periodontitis using real‐time PCR. EBV was detected in 16 out of 33 (48.5%) periodontitis patients and in 3 out of 20(15%) healthy subjects. The baseline mean values for bleeding on probing in EBV‐positive patients were significantly higher than those in EBV‐negative patients. A significant decrease in EBV levels was observed after initial periodontal treatment. Our findings indicate that levels of EBV in saliva may reflect the status of periodontal inflammation.