Torque teno virus in periodontitis: a narrative review of current evidence and emerging concepts
Microb Health Dis 2026;
8
: e1665
DOI: 10.26355/mhd_202609_1665
Topic: Oral microbiota
Category: Review
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Abstract
Periodontitis is a chronic multifactorial inflammatory disease characterized by the progressive destruction of the tooth-supporting tissues. Although bacterial dysbiosis is considered the principal microbial driver, increasing evidence suggests that the periodontal virome may also influence disease initiation and progression. Torque Teno Virus (TTV), a highly prevalent member of the family Anelloviridae, has attracted increasing attention due to its persistence, immunomodulatory properties, and detection in periodontal tissues. This narrative review summarizes current evidence regarding the biological characteristics of TTV, its prevalence, proposed mechanisms linking TTV with periodontitis, and its potential clinical significance. Available evidence suggests that TTV may contribute to periodontal disease through immune dysregulation, viral–bacterial interactions, and apoptosis-related mechanisms that may promote chronic inflammation and tissue destruction. However, the evidence is limited by the small number of available studies, restricted sample sizes, and heterogeneous detection methods. Current findings support an association between TTV and periodontitis but do not establish causality. At present, TTV should be regarded as a potential immunomodulatory cofactor rather than a definitive periodontal pathogen. Future multidisciplinary studies integrating virology, immunology, metagenomics, and longitudinal clinical investigations are needed to clarify its biological role and clinical relevance in periodontitis.
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To cite this article
Torque teno virus in periodontitis: a narrative review of current evidence and emerging concepts
Microb Health Dis 2026;
8
: e1665
DOI: 10.26355/mhd_202609_1665
Publication History
Submission date: 09 Jun 2026
Revised on: 09 Jul 2026
Accepted on: 03 Sep 2026
Published online: 21 Sep 2026

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