ABSTRACT
Carriage of antigens and infectious herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and human adenovirus type 1 (Ad-1) by salivary leukocytes was compared with the antibacterial activity of oral polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) and with the spectrum of oral bacterial and fungal flora. Risk of iatrogenic infections by microbes was assessed by detecting these viruses and microbes after disinfecting dental instruments. The results indicate carriage of antigens and infectious viruses in each age group between 6 and 60 years. Phagocytic activity by PMNL of virus carrier persons was found to be decreased as compared to virus-free subjects. The species number and survival after disinfection of oral bacteria and fungi were significantly higher in virus carrier persons. Infectious viruses were also obtained after disinfecting instruments used in their dental treatment. It is concluded that, virus infection of immune cells can contribute to the oral suppression of phagocytosis by PMNL. Intracellular viruses hidden from disinfectants can also result in infection of other subjects, especially if contemporary immunosuppression exists.
Subject(s)
Adenoviruses, Human/isolation & purification , Bacteria/isolation & purification , Herpesvirus 1, Human/isolation & purification , Mouth/microbiology , Adenoviruses, Human/immunology , Adolescent , Adult , Antigens, Viral/isolation & purification , Child , Dental Instruments/adverse effects , Disease Reservoirs , Disinfection , Fungi/isolation & purification , Herpesvirus 1, Human/immunology , Humans , Iatrogenic Disease , Leukocytes/immunology , Leukocytes/microbiology , Middle Aged , Mouth/immunology , Phagocytosis , Saliva/cytology , Saliva/microbiologyABSTRACT
The effect of platelet-activating factor (PAF) antagonist BN 52021 (0.06-2.5 mM) on the cytotoxic activity of mononuclear cells (MNC) from newly diagnosed type 1 diabetic patients against 51Cr-labeled Langerhans islets from neonatal rats was investigated in a 6-hour cytotoxicity test. A dose-dependent inhibition of anti-islet cytotoxicity by BN 52021 was observed. The suppression of the islet lysis was significant at a concentration of 0.6 mM BN 52021. During a 4-day cell culture, BN 52021 had no inhibitory effect on the antigen-mediated triggering of immunocytes with anti-islet cytotoxicity. The results suggest that the drug is only effective during immunocytolytic reactions of MNC against pancreatic islets. A PAF-independent action of BN 52021 can not be excluded at present.
