Prevalence of Periodontal Destruction and Putative Periodontal Pathogens in the Same Lebanese Family.

Abstract

Periodontal diseases are associated with microorganisms rich in Gram-negative species. Several studies have indicated the presence of few a periodontopathic microorganisms in the same family. A parent with severe adult periodontitis, who is infected with bacteria associated with periodontal disease, may function as a source of infection. Their children may be at a greater risk to become colonized with bacteria. The purpose of this investigation was (1) to explore the presence of three bacteria, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis (PG), Prevotella intermedia (PI), and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (AA) in the same Lebanese family and (2) to study the clinical destruction in the same family and their relations as members of this family due to the presence of PG. A total of 10 families were screened; only 5 (13 females and 5 males) were selected for this study, and at least one member of the family had untreated periodontal disease, chronic or aggressive. Every participant signed an informed consent form. A total of 18 available deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) samples were taken to analyze the presence of three periodontal bacteria. Multiple logistic regression was used for the exact methods. All 18 patients showed a positive result for PI. Also, PG. was recognized in 15 patients while AA was not detected in any of the subjects. All couples suffered from periodontitis, chronic or aggressive forms, five children suffered from gingivitis, three children had no clinical manifestation, and only one suffered from localized aggressive periodontitis. The statistical analysis showed with each 1 year of increase in age, the odds of having periodontal disease multiply by 1.39, i.e., age as a risk factor for periodontal disease due to the presence of PG and sharing the same plate. This investigation demonstrates a high prevalence of periodontal microorganisms in children and young adults of Lebanese periodontitis parents and a microbiological similarity between the children and their mothers. All these factors could be a high risk of developing periodontal disease in the future. This article shows that vertical transmission of microorganisms is a possible risk factor for developing periodontal disease in the offspring.