The impact of the presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis on periodontal health in a group of patients with periodontitis in Erbil

Abstract

Background and objective: Chronic periodontitis is the destruction of the tooth supporting structures as a result of a complex interaction between bacteria colonizing the gingival crevice and host’s immune responses. Porphyromonas gingivalis is one of the main periodontopathogens with multiple virulence factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the detection rate of Porphyromonas gingivalis in chronic periodontitis patients versus healthy subjects using PCR assay, and its association with increased pocket depth and clinical attachment loss. Methods: Seventy subjects (35 patients with chronic periodontitis and 35 healthy subjects) meeting the inclusion criteria of this study were selected. All the subjects were clinically assessed for probing pocket depth and clinical attachment loss then subgingival microbial samples were collected using sterile paper points and analyzed for the presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis using polymerase chain reaction assay. Results: A significant difference in Porphyromonas gingivalis detection rate between chronic periodontitis and healthy groups was recorded. Porphyromonas gingivalis was significantly associated with deep pockets. The detection rate increased with the increase in the severity of the disease, although, this correlation was not statistically significant. Conclusion: A positive association was observed between Porphyromonas gingivalis and increased pocket depth. The recovery rate was higher in severe cases.