Investigation of salivary excretion of Herpesvirus type 1 and EpsteinBarr in crack user

• Grant number: 24/21387-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: April 01, 2025
• End date: March 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Dental Clinics
• Principal Investigator: Janete Dias Almeida
• Grantee: Thaís Monteiro Galeni
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia (ICT). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de São José dos Campos. São José dos Campos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Crack is a derivative of cocaine, known for its high potential to cause dependency. Crackusers face an increased risk of developing infections such as Human ImmunodeficiencySyndrome (AIDS), Hepatitis C, and Hepatitis B. Risky behaviors, including unprotectedsex, sexual promiscuity, prostitution, and sharing personal items, explain the high ratesof pathogen dissemination compared to the general population. Herpesviruses are afamily of eight virus types known for their ability to cause diseases in humans and theirdiverse modes of transmission. Many pathologies associated with Herpesviruses arelinked to immunosuppressed individuals. Additionally, the expression profile of theseviruses is influenced by the intensity and duration of immunosuppression. HumanHerpesviruses types I and IV are globally prevalent viral pathogens. This study aims toanalyze the salivary excretion levels of these viruses in crack users. The study included30 crack users, 30 former crack users, and 30 non-users. Saliva samples were collectedusing a cotton roll device to obtain stimulated saliva. The samples will undergo geneticmaterial extraction and purification before being subjected to PCR reactions for targetdetection. The results will be recorded in Excel 2016 spreadsheets and statisticallyanalyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS®) version 20 andMiniTab® version 16.