ANALYSIS OF HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS USING GINGIVAL CREVICULAR FLUID- A REVIEW

Oral Herpes is a viral infection caused by Herpes Simplex Virus. 80% of Oral Herpes is caused by HSV-1 which infects the skin and/or mucous membranes and produces painful sores or blisters on lips, gums, tongue, cheeks. The initial outbreak of virus strain can result in flulike symptoms, including fever, swollen lymph nodes and body aches. If not found in initial stages, it may result in systemic disorders like diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular or cerebrovascular diseases. The best solution to diagnose oral herpes is by analyzing Gingival Crevicular Fluid (GCF) through nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique. In periodontal disease pathogenesis, the inflammatory mediator levels present in gingival crevicular fluid represent relevant risk indicators for disease activity. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), a serum transudate or inflammatory exudate, can be collected from the gingival crevice surrounding the teeth. The fluid reflects the constituents of serum, the cellular response in the periodontium, and contributions from the gingival crevice. The amount of GCF is directly proportional to the severity of the inflammation. Now-a-days several methods for collection and estimation of GCF has been established. Hence, by analysing in this technique, the presence of HSV in the periodontium before the onset, at the time of periodontitis initiation, and periodically during its development can be diagnosed. KEYWORDS: Herpes virus, Gingival crevicular fluid, inflammation, periodontitis