Abstract
The periodontopathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) has been reported as a risk factor for preterm labour. Its pathogenesis and role in pregnancy have not been investigated in Lebanon. Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in pregnant women with periodontitis also appear to mediate preterm labour. The study included 20 pregnant women with periodontitis and 20 with normal periodontium. PCR was done for Pg detection in oral plaque and vaginal samples. Serum CRP levels were determined by ELISA. Pg was detected in the oral plaque of 13 of 20 pregnant subjects with clinical periodontitis (patients) and 2 of 20 controls with a healthy periodontium. Vaginal swabs were all Pg-negative, ruling out systemic infection. Serum CRP levels were elevated in 12 of 20 patients and 8 of 20 controls. None of the participants experienced preterm labour. This is the first report that implicates Pg in Lebanese periodontitis patients. Preliminary results do not indicate a relationship among Pg, periodontitis, CRP levels and preterm labour.
Highlights
Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), a Gram-negative non motile, asaccharolytic obligate anaerobic coccobacillus, is one of the most studied periodontal pathogens
Pg is generally detected by culture, especially when antibiotic sensitivity is needed, or by molecular methods, mainly polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which provides an excellent detection threshold and is highly specific [5]
Maternal periodontal disease has been reported as a risk factor for preterm labour in the United States [6]; this association was not observed in studies of Asian emigrants in European and Sri Lankan women [7,8]
Summary
Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), a Gram-negative non motile, asaccharolytic obligate anaerobic coccobacillus, is one of the most studied periodontal pathogens. Maternal periodontal disease has been reported as a risk factor for preterm labour in the United States [6]; this association was not observed in studies of Asian emigrants in European and Sri Lankan women [7,8]. The periodontopathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) has been reported as a risk factor for preterm labour. Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in pregnant women with periodontitis appear to mediate preterm labour. PCR was done for Pg detection in oral plaque and vaginal samples. Results: Pg was detected in the oral plaque of 13 of 20 pregnant subjects with clinical periodontitis (patients) and 2 of 20 controls with a healthy periodontium. Serum CRP levels were elevated in 12 of 20 patients and 8 of 20 controls. Preliminary results do not indicate a relationship among Pg, periodontitis, CRP levels and preterm labour
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
