Detection and Localization of Periodontopathic Bacteria in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

Abstract

Objectives We examined a possible link between periodontal disease and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) by studying resected aneurysmal specimens from AAA patients for the presence of periodontitopathic bacteria. Design Prospective case control study. Material and methods Thirty-two AAA patients were enrolled in the study. Periodontitis was classified according to the probing depth of preriodontal pocket. Thirty-two aneurysmal walls, 16 mural thrombi, 5 atherosclerotic occlusive aorta and 5 control arterial tissue, were examined for 7 periodontal bacteria using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. The localization of the bacteria in the aneurysmal/atherosclerotic wall was determined by thromboendarterectomy. Results All patients had periodontal disease, and most cases were severe. PCR examination of the aneurysmal specimens showed that 86% were positive for periodontal bacterial DNA. No bacteria were detected in the control specimens. The bacteria were found in both the intimal/medial layer and the adventitial layer of the aneurysmal wall but only in intimal/medial layer of the atherosclerotic occlusive aorta. Conclusion Periodontopathic bacteria were present in a high percentage of specimens of diseased arteries from AAA patients and were found throughout the whole aneurysmal wall. These bacteria may play a role in the development of AAAs and/or contribute to weakening the aneurysmal wall.