RESUMO
AIM: The aim of the present study was to describe the salivary shedding of human herpesviruses (HHV) in renal transplant recipients and to observe the oral manifestations in this group. METHODS: A prospective case-control study was conducted with a study group of 20 renal transplant recipients and a control group of 20 non-transplanted, immunocompetent individuals. Clinical examination evaluated the presence of drug-induced gingival overgrowth (DIGO), salivary flow, and caries. Stimulated saliva was collected from both groups, with HHV being detected by using real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The mean age of the study group was 45.90 ± 9.89 years, with 55% (11/20) being female, 60% (12/20) being Caucasian, 65% (13/20) having a deceased donor, and 70% (14/20) having used tacrolimus as the main immunosuppressive drug. Renal transplant recipients had shedding of more herpesviruses compared to the control group, with the exception of HHV-7. Statistical significance was found for herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) (P = 0.017) and cytomegalovirus (P = 0.035). DIGO was observed in seven patients (35%), with 35% (7/20) presenting with decreased salivary flow and four (20%) reporting xerostomia. CONCLUSION: Renal transplant recipients excreted herpesviruses more often than control individuals, especially HSV-1. Decreased salivary flow and xerostomia were more frequent in patients who used tacrolimus, whereas those who used cyclosporine had more cases of DIGO.