Detection of herpes simplex virus, varicella zoster virus and cytomegalovirus in aphthous stomatitis.

Attempts were made to demonstrate herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 and type 2, varicella zoster virus (VZV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) in specimens obtained from aphthous ulceration lesions by the immunofluorescent method using fluorescein-labeled monoclonal antibodies. HSV-1 and VZV were detected in 2 and 4 out of 30 patients, respectively. Although almost all viruses that can infect the oral cavity could occasionally cause stomatitis, neither HSV-2 nor CMV was not found in this study. VZV was detected in 1 out of 8 patients with recurrent aphthous ulceration. After treatment with acyclovir, the patient's symptoms has become less severe and recurrence rates of attacks reduced, however, the patient has not been totally free of the disease. There were no differences in clinical aspects of stomatitis between the patients with and without viral isolation. Further clinical investigation is encouraged to confirm the relationship between aphthous stomatitis and viral infection.