Presence Of Periodontal Pathogens Research Articles

Presence and Immunoreactivity of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

The presence of periodontal pathogens is associated with an increased prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The systemic antibody response to epitopes of these bacteria is often used as a proxy to study correlations between bacteria and RA. The primary aim of the present study is to examine the correlation between the presence of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) in the oral cavity and serum antibodies against the leukotoxin (LtxA) produced by this bacterium. The salivary presence of Aa was analyzed with quantitative PCR and serum LtxA ab in a cell culture-based neutralization assay. The analyses were performed on samples from a well-characterized RA cohort (n = 189) and a reference population of blood donors (n = 101). Salivary Aa was present in 15% of the RA patients and 6% of the blood donors. LtxA ab were detected in 19% of RA-sera and in 16% of sera from blood donors. The correlation between salivary Aa and serum LtxA ab was surprisingly low (rho = 0.55 [95% CI: 0.40, 0.68]). The presence of salivary Aa showed no significant association with any of the RA-associated parameters documented in the cohort. A limitation of the present study is the relatively low number of individuals with detectable concentrations of Aa in saliva. Moreover, in the comparison of detectable Aa prevalence between RA patients and blood donors, we assumed that the two groups were equivalent in other Aa prognostic factors. These limitations must be taken into consideration when the result from the study is interpreted. We conclude that a systemic immune response to Aa LtxA does not fully reflect the prevalence of Aa in saliva. In addition, the association between RA-associated parameters and the presence of Aa was negligible in the present RA cohort.

Could Periodontitis Increase the Risk of Suffering from Pancreatic Cancer?-A Systematic Review.

(1) Background: The relationship between periodontitis and systemic pathologies continues to grow. Recently, the presence of periodontal pathogens has been linked to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer (PC) and its mortality. Thus, a systematic review is needed to identify whether an association between the two diseases can be established. The objective of this review is to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for this association. (2) Methods: A systematic review was carried out using three databases (PubMed, Embase and Scopus) with the following keywords "Periodontitis AND pancreatic cancer". A total of 653 articles were retrieved; before selection and screening, the inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined, resulting in a total of 13 articles being included in the review. (3) Results: The increase in low-grade systemic inflammation, pH changes, and the cytotoxicity of certain periodontopathogenic bacteria were found in the scientific literature reviewed as mechanisms linking periodontitis with the risk of PC. (4) Conclusions: Through this systematic review, we have seen how periodontitis can be related to PC and how it worsens its prognosis. Knowing the behavior of periodontopathogenic bacteria and the influence they have on our immune and inflammatory system may help to achieve an interdisciplinary approach to both pathologies.

Role of periodontal pathogens in atherosclerotic plaque development and progression: An overview.

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disease marked by the accumulation of lipids and fibrous components in the large arteries. It is one of the primary causes of heart disease and stroke. Periodontal diseases encompass conditions like gingivitis and periodontitis, which are multifactorial diseases associated with dysbiotic plaque biofilms that trigger an immune-inflammatory host response, eventually resulting in the destruction of periodontal tissues. Links between periodontal disease and atherosclerosis may be based on direct invasion of periodontal pathogens or inflammatory mechanisms triggered by bacteria related to periodontal lesions, locally or systemically, that may impact the initiation of the atherosclerotic lesion. The presence of periodontal pathogens within an atheromatous lesion implies hematogenous dissemination. The invasion of atheroma by periodontal pathogens results in changes in the proatherogenic and proinflammatory properties of endothelial cells, leading to endothelial dysfunction, which is a hallmark of atherosclerosis. Clinical and epidemiological studies have offered sufficient evidence of periodontitis having an adverse effect on systemic health, including atherosclerosis; however, a direct causal effect has not yet been proved. This review aims to analyse scientific results regarding the mechanism by which periodontal pathogens may cause atherosclerosis as well as to describe the role of Porphyromonas gingivalis in atherosclerotic plaque development and progression.

Gain a Baby Lose a Tooth-Is There an Association between Periodontitis and Preterm Birth?

Preterm birth serves as one of the leading causes of neonatal mortality worldwide. The underlying mechanisms that contribute to preterm birth are not yet fully understood. However, an association between periodontitis and preterm birth has been proposed. The periodontal status and presence of periodontal pathogens in women with different birth outcomes have been previously examined. However, varying definitions of periodontitis and different microbiological methods make their interpretation challenging. The aim of this case-control study on women with and without preterm birth was to investigate their periodontal status using the current classification system for periodontal diseases. Moreover, differences in the periodontal microbiome of the study participants were investigated. Therefore, we collected data on oral and periodontal parameters in 77 puerperal women divided into two groups based on gestational age at delivery: 33 patients with preterm birth (PTB, <37 weeks) and 44 patients with term birth (TB, >37 weeks). These data included pocket probing depth (PPD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP), gingival-bleeding index, DMFT index, and gynecologic and dental history. In addition, their oral microbiome was explored. Median CAL and percentage PPD ≥ 4 mm were significantly higher in the PTB group than in the TB group (p = 0.0128 and p = 0.047, respectively). Birth weight was significantly higher in periodontally healthy women than in those with gingivitis (p = 0.0078) or periodontitis (p = 0.0127). The periodontal microbiome differed significantly between groups. Our results are underlining the possible association between periodontitis and preterm delivery. Women with periodontitis had babies with significantly lower birth weights. The microbiome varied between the groups.

Efecto del desbridamiento periodontal más azitromicina sistémica en sujetos con periodontitis estadio III: Un ensayo clínico controlado aleatorio

Aim: To evaluate the effect of the systemic administration of azi-thromycin (AZM) as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) on the clinical and microbiological variables of patients with periodontitis Material and Methods: Eighteen volunteers received NSPT combined with placebo or AZM (500 mg/day) for 3 days (n=9/group). They were monitored clinically for probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), O'Leary index (OI), bleeding on probing (BoP) at baseline and during the first, third and sixth month and microbiologically, at baseline and at 3 and 6 months after therapy, by conventional polymerase chain reaction tests. Results: Fourteen patients completed the study (n=7/group). Differences statistically significant were observed among both groups. The experimental group presented: A PPD mean (p=0.04) significantly lower and PPD reduction (p=0.02), at 6-months post NSPT. Regarding changes (∆), at the third month post NSPT, there was a significant increase in the number of shallow sites (p&lt;0.001) and a decrease in the intermediate sites (p&lt;0.001). In addition, a significant decrease in the mean number of deep sites (p=0.04) was detected at 6 months post treatment. There was also a significant decrease in periodontal index BoP at 1 (p=0.01), 3 (p&lt;0.001) and 6 (p=0.01) months and OI at 3- and 6-months (p&lt;0.001), post treatment. Regarding the presence of periodontal pathogens, no significant differences were observed, intra and inter groups. Conclusion: AZM as an adjuvant to NSPT provides additional beneficial effects for PPD and BoP compared to NSPT alone.

Prevalence of Periodontal Pathogens in Slovak Patients with Periodontitis and Their Possible Aspect of Transmission from Companion Animals to Humans.

Simple SummaryPeriodontal disease represents a worldwide health problem. Human periodontal pathogens such as Treponema denticola, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans are the cause of inflammatory response resulting in periodontitis. Porphyromonas gulae is mostly involved in periodontitis in dogs; however, it is not a common pathogen in humans. This study deals with the prevalence of periodontal pathogens in Slovak patients with periodontitis. Furthermore, based on the previous findings of animal-to-human transmission of periodontal pathogens, this study also assesses the possible bacterial transmission between animals and their owners. The highest prevalence in Slovak patients amongst the monitored periodontal pathogens had T. forsythia. In regard to the limited information available on T. forsythia, antibiotic sensitivity of this bacterium was evaluated. Most of the T. forsythia isolates were susceptible to antibiotics, namely amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, clindamycin and moxifloxacin, while they were resistant to metronidazole. Moreover, the transmission of P. gulae between animals and their owners was confirmed. Based on the similarity of P. gulae with human P. gingivalis, there arises the question as to whether P. gulae can also be involved in the periodontitis pathogenesis in humans. However, more studies are required for further clarification.Oral health and diseases are greatly influenced by oral bacteria. During dysbiosis, bacterial composition changes, which can lead to periodontitis. Periodontitis in humans is associated with periodontal pathogens such as Treponema denticola, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. Animal-to-human transmission of some of these pathogens has also been reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of periodontal pathogens in Slovak patients and to assess the possible risk of transmission of these pathogens from animals to their owners. The presence of periodontal pathogens in dental plaque was monitored by PCR. Amplified products were analysed using Sanger sequencing. T. forsythia isolates were assessed for the susceptibility to different antibiotics using the disk diffusion method. In humans, T. denticola, P. gingivalis, T. forsythia and A. actinomycetemcomitans were present in 69.23%, 69.23%, 100% and 84.62%, respectively. Most isolates of T. forsythia were susceptible to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, clindamycin and moxifloxacin, but they were resistant to metronidazole. The transmission of T. forsythia from animals to their owners was not proven based on sequence analysing. On the other hand, transmission of Porphyromonas gulae was confirmed, but the risk of its involvement in the pathogenesis of periodontitis in humans must be further investigated.

Immune Dysfunction Linking Periodontitis And Diabetes

Periodontitis is a polymicrobial initiated disease but the host inflammatory and immune responses also play a significant role in creating periodontal pockets and irreversible bone loss. The presence of periodontal pathogens and their toxins cause elevations of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). Host response is altered by the presence of various factors including diabetes. Periodontitis and diabetes are prevalent chronic diseases with many epidemiological studies implying a two-way or bidirectional relationship between the two diseases. In this review, we focus on how hyperglycemia relates periodontitis and diabetes mellitus.

Uptake of Nanotitania by Gingival Epithelial Cells Promotes Inflammatory Response and Is Accelerated by Porphyromonas gingivalis Lipopolysaccharide: An In Vitro Study.

Titanium is often used in the medical field and in dental implants due to its biocompatibility, but it has a high rate of leading to peri-implantitis, which progresses faster than periodontitis. Therefore, in the present study, the expression of cytokines from gingival epithelial cells by nanotitania was investigated, which is derived from titanium in the oral cavity, and the additional effect of Porphyromonas gingivalis (periodontopathic bacteria) lipopolysaccharide (PgLPS) was investigated. Ca9-22 cells were used as a gingival epithelial cell model and were cultured with nanotitania alone or with PgLPS. Cytokine expression was examined by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In addition, cellular uptake of nanotitania was observed in scanning electron microscopy images. The expression of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 significantly increased in Ca9-22 cells by nanotitania treatment alone, and the expression was further increased by the presence of PgLPS. Nanotitania was observed to phagocytose Ca9-22 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Furthermore, when the expression of IL-11, related to bone resorption, was investigated, a significant increase was confirmed by stimulation with nanotitania alone. Therefore, nanotitania could be associated with the onset and exacerbation of peri-implantitis, and the presence of periodontal pathogens may worsen the condition. Further clinical reports are needed to confirm these preliminary results.

Periodontal Pathogens Promote Foam Cell Formation by Blocking Lipid Efflux

Foam cells are one of the major cellular components of atherosclerotic plaques, within which the trace of periodontal pathogens has also been identified in recent studies. In line with these findings, the correlation between periodontitis and atherosclerotic cardiovascular incidences has been repetitively supported by evidence from a number of experimental studies. However, the direct role of periodontal pathogens in altered cellular signaling underlying such cardiovascular events has not been clearly defined. To determine the role of periodontal pathogens in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, especially in the evolution of macrophages into foam cells, we monitored the pattern of lipid accumulation within macrophages in the presence of periodontal pathogens, followed by characterization of these lipids and investigation of major molecules involved in lipid homeostasis. The cells were stained with the lipophilic fluorescent dye BODIPY 493/503 and Oil Red O to characterize the lipid profile. The amounts of Oil Red O–positive droplets, representing neutral lipids, as well as fluorescent lipid aggregates were prominently increased in periodontal pathogen–infected macrophages. Subsequent analysis allowed us to locate the accumulated lipids in the endoplasmic reticulum. In addition, the levels of cholesteryl ester in periodontal pathogen–infected macrophages were increased, implying disrupted lipid homeostasis. Further investigations to delineate the key messengers and regulatory factors involved in the altered lipid homeostasis have revealed alterations in cholesterol efflux–related enzymes, such as ABCG1 and CYP46A1, as contributors to foam cell formation, and increased Ca2+ signaling and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production as key events underlying disrupted lipid homeostasis. Consistently, a treatment of periodontal pathogen–infected macrophages with ROS inhibitors and nifedipine attenuated the accumulation of lipid droplets, further confirming periodontal pathogen–induced alterations in Ca2+ and ROS signaling and the subsequent dysregulation of lipid homeostasis as key regulatory events underlying the evolution of macrophages into foam cells.

β-defensins and the inflammatory periodontal diseases: a systematic review

Relevance. The steady increase in the number of inflammatory periodontal diseases (IPD) requires the search for new methods of their diagnosis, treatment and prevention. A large number of antimicrobial peptides are expressed in the oral cavity, including β-defensins, which form the first line of defense against periodontal pathogens. A more detailed study of these proteins will help us to answer the question: why this protective barrier breaks through and may we use β-defensins as markers of IPD. The aim is to study information about the role of β-defensins in the pathogenesis of IBD and to evaluate the possibility of their use as biomarkers of these diseases.Materials and methods. Using search systems as PubMed, Google Search and eLIBRARY were found 2106 articles published between 2003 and 2020 years. According to the inclusion and non-inclusion criteria, 39 publications were selected, including in vivo, in vitro and review articles. This review presents data from the selected articles.Results. β-defensins have antimicrobial activity against periodontal pathogens, but these bacteria can change the expression of the antimicrobial peptides or can be the cause of their destruction due to virulence factors. In addition, the concentration of β-defensins may be affected by the cytokines, synthesized during inflammation in periodontal tissues. Compared with individuals without IPD the patients with chronic generalized gingivitis, aggressive and chronic generalized periodontitis most often have changes in the expression of β-defensins both up and down, which also depends on the stage of the inflammatory process.Conclusion. β-defensins play an important role in the antimicrobial protection of periodontal tissues from the introduction of periodontal pathogens and can be used as markers of IBD. However evaluating the concentration of defensins in the oral fluid, it is necessary to take into account concomitant factors: the presence of periodontal pathogens, the presence of certain cytokines, the stage of the disease, the presence of concomitant pathology and the genetic aspect.

Microbiological findings of the maternal periodontitis associated to low birthweight.

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo determine the association between the presence of periodontal pathogens and low birthweight.MethodsThis observational and case-control study consisted of mothers of infants weighing <2,500g (Group A), and mothers of newborns weighing ≥2,500g (Group B), born at Hospital da Mulher in Feira de Santana (BA), Brazil. A semi-structured questionnaire covering demographic data, gestational history and aspects related to general and oral health was employed postpartum. Following a complete periodontal examination, biofilm samples were collected at six sites in the mouth. The participants were further categorized in terms of presence or absence of periodontitis. Differences between the groups were determined using Pearson’s χ 2 test, odds ratio, and confidence intervals were obtained using the Mantel-Haenszel test.ResultsAggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, Tannerella forsythia and Prevotella intermedia were detected by polymerase chain reaction. A total of 303 postpartum women were evaluated, 224 (73.9%) in Group B. Statistically significant differences between the groups were found for age, body mass index and history of previous low birthweight babies. Group A had a higher frequency of periodontitis (33.34%) than Group B (16.22%). P. gingivalis and P. intermedia were detected more frequently among women with periodontitis (74.19% and 88.70%, respectively).ConclusionIn this population, there was no association between the presence of maternal periodontal pathogens and the occurrence of low birthweight infants.

Commentary on the Presence of Periodontal Pathogens in Gastric Cancer

Commentary on the Presence of Periodontal Pathogens in Gastric Cancer

The Presence of Periodontal Pathogens in Gastric Cancer

Microbiota are thought to play a role in the development of gastric cancer (GC). Several studies have put forward putatively carcinogenic species in addition to Helicobacter pylori but are not in perfect alignment, possibly due to variable parameters in the experiments. Meta-analyses on this subject have not been published so far. Therefore, there is a lack of clinical guidance beyond H. pylori eradication therapy.

Calibrated interdental brushing for the prevention of periodontal pathogens infection in young adults - a randomized controlled clinical trial

Periodontal disease is clearly correlated with systemic disease. The presence of periodontal pathogens in interdental spaces in young, healthy adults is a strong indicator of the need to introduce daily interdental prophylaxis. Twenty-five subjects (aged 18–35 years), diagnosticated clinically as periodontally healthy, were enrolled in this study. One hundred interdental sites were included. Among these sites, 50 “test” sites were cleaned daily with calibrated interdental brushes (IDBs), whereas the other 50 sites were not cleaned and considered “controls”. The interdental biofilm at these interdental sites was collected at the beginning of the study (basal) and at 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks, and 3 months. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methodology was used to quantify (i) 19 periodontal bacteria, including Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, and Tannerella forsythia, and (ii) total bacteria. In the test sites, the quantity of total bacteria decreased over time with the use of IDBs. The bacteria from the red and orange Socransky complexes, which are associated with periodontal disease, significantly decreased in the test sites but not in the control sites. Bacteria from the yellow, and purple Socransky complexes, which are associated with periodontal health, increased significantly in both groups whereas bacteria from the blue Socransky complex increased significantly only in the test sites. Furthermore, at basal, 66% of test sites and 68% of control sites bled during interdental brushing. These percentages decreased by 85% in 3 months for the test sites and by 27% in the control sites. In conclusion, the daily use of calibrated IDBs can reduce periodontal pathogens, reestablish symbiotic microbiota and, decrease interdental inflammation in interdental sites of healthy young adults.

Periodontal Status and Subgingival Biofilms in Cystic Fibrosis Adults.

The aim of this study was to assess the periodontal status of cystic fibrosis (CF) adult patients and to evaluate whether there is a correlation between the bacterial population of the subgingival biofilm and the health status of the periodontal tissues in this group of adults. The study involved 22 cystic fibrosis adult patients. The periodontal condition was assessed using Plaque Index (PLI), Gingival Index (GI), and Probing Pocket Depth (PPD). The gingival sulcus samples were analyzed by the Real-Time PCR assay (RT-PCR). Majority of patients showed moderate or severe bacterial dental plaque accumulation, but none of them had clinical symptoms of periodontal diseases. RT-PCR showed the presence of periopathogens in 50% of patients. Red complex microorganisms were detected in 9.09%, orange complex in 27.27%, and green complex in 31.82% of the samples analyzed. In cystic fibrosis patients colonized by periopathogens, the periodontal markers were significantly higher in comparison to not colonized by periopathogens patients. Despite the widespread presence of bacterial dental deposits in the cystic fibrosis adult patients examined, none of them has clinical symptoms of periodontal disease; however, the presence of periodontal pathogens in subgingival biofilm may represent a possible risk factor of this disease in the future. An unsatisfactory level of oral hygiene in any patient with cystic fibrosis indicates a need to focus on standards of dental care for such patients.

Dynamics of colonization by Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in aggressive periodontitis families

Aggressive periodontitis(AgP) is a disease characterized by the presence of periodontal pathogens and family aggregation of cases, possibly related to the vertical transmission of microorganisms. Thus, the project has evaluated the pattern of colonization of some pathogens in children of parents affected by generalized aggressive periodontitis, compared to children of periodontally healthy parents. Five edentulous babies and 15 primary, mixed and permanent dentate children from families with parents affected by AgP were selected and, by a age and gender-matched approach, similar population from eriodontally heath individuals were also selected. From all subjects, saliva was collected, had a DNA extracted and sequenced for Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Treponema denticola (Td), Tannerella forsythia (Tf) identification. Results showed a higher prevalence in AgP-family children regarding Td and Tf. denticola in mixed and permanent dentition (p&lt;0.05). In conclusion,the presence of disease in parentes negatively affectthe oral microbiota of their descendants.

INTER-RELAÇÃO ENTRE PERIODONTITE CRÔNICA E PARTO PREMATURO / BAIXO PESO AO NASCER – REVISÃO DE LITERATURA

A periodontite é uma enfermidade de alta prevalência que acomete indivíduos em todo o mundo, sendo a principal causa de perdas dentárias em adultos. Esta doença é causada pela interação dos patógenos periodontais presentes no biofilme dental com o mecanismo de resposta do hospedeiro, culminando em perda dos tecidos de sustentação. Estudos reconhecem que condições sistêmicas podem influenciar diretamente na progressão da resposta inflamatória periodontal. Dentre estas, destaca-se a gestação, a qual é caracterizada por alterações hormonais nos níveis de estrógeno e progesterona que podem exacerbar a resposta do hospedeiro frente ao desafio microbiano. Por outro lado, a presença de patógenos periodontais e das altas concentrações de mediadores inflamatórios, sobretudo de prostaglandina (PG) E2, no fluido crevicular de gestantes, possivelmente pode ocasionar interferências gestacionais de alta relevância, como o parto prematuro (PP) e baixo peso ao nascer (BPN). Assim, o objetivo do presente estudo foi realizar uma revisão de literatura sobre a associação entre a periodontite, PP e BPN. Para tal, buscaram-se artigos científicos nos bancos de dados Scielo e Pubmed publicados nos últimos 12 anos. Foram selecionados 21 artigos de pesquisa científica pré-clínicas/clínicas, destes 17 corroboraram com tal associação, enquanto apenas 4 obtiveram resultados negativos em relação à esta combinação. Assim, pode-se observar que a presença da doença periodontal materna parece contribuir para o aumento significativo de nascimentos de bebês em PP ou com BPN, sugerindo, portanto, a possível inter-relação entre a doença periodontal e resultados adversos durante a gestação.

The Oral Microbiome of Smokeless Tobacco Users in Latvia

Abstract Snus is a tobacco product containing nicotine and is widely used in Sweden. Now it is becoming more and more popular among young athletes and teenagers in Latvia, even though it is forbidden for sale in the European Union. The use of snus is considered to induce various oral illnesses, especially periodontal diseases, diabetes, heart and cardiovascular diseases as well as cancer. Comparison of the microbiome of saliva and tooth biofilm in snus tobacco users with that in people who never use snus showed that, the number and diversity of periodontal pathogenic microorganisms was much higher in samples taken from snus users. The observed features of the oral microbiome, such as the presence of periodontal pathogens and their high concentration, may have adverse effect on periodontal tissues of snus users and their general health in the future.

Aspectos clínicos, microbiológicos e tratamento periodontal em pacientes fumantes portadores de doença periodontal crônica: revisão da literatura

Objective: the aim of this study was to evaluate, through literature review, clinical aspects (plaque index, gingival index, probing depth, gingival recession and clinical attachment level) and microbiological (qualitative and quantitative presence of periodontal pathogens) in smokers patients and the response to periodontal therapy. Material and Methods: it was selected scientific articles published between the years 1978 and 2014. We were selected scientific articles from MEDLINE, PUBMED and&#x0D; LILACS databases. Results: there are controversies between tobacco and clinical and microbiological parameters. Conclusion: based on the evaluated studies we can conclude that there are significant clinical and microbiological differences in smoking patients and impaired response to periodontal therapy.

Presence of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in saliva and cardiac tissue samples of children with congenital heart disease.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the presence of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in saliva and cardiac tissue samples of children requiring cardiac surgery in Istanbul, Turkey. Twenty-five patients (mean age: 6.24 ± 2.93) undergoing surgery for congenital heart defects (CHDs) and an age/gender-matched control group of 25 healthy children were enrolled in the study. Saliva samples were collected from all children; plaque index (PI) and gingival index (GI) were also determined. In CHD group, cardiac tissue samples were received during surgery. All samples were evaluated for the presence of A. actinomycetemcomitans and its highly leukotoxic JP2 clonal strains using polymerase chain reaction. The findings were analyzed by Mann-Whitney U, Chi-square, and Fisher's exact tests. No significant differences were found in PI and GI values between the groups. A. actinomycetemcomitans was not detected in cardiac tissue samples. A. actinomycetemcomitans in saliva was detected in 2 (8%) of the CHD and 5 (20%) of the control children (p > 0.05). A. actinomycetemcomitans JP2 clonal strains were determined from 1 (4%) of the control group while it was not determined from the samples of the CHD group. Early colonization of A. actinomycetemcomitans in oral cavities could be assessed as a risk marker for periodontal disease. Periodontal pathogens may enter bloodstream through bacteremia; thus, the presence of periodontal pathogens in the oral cavity of children should be assessed as a risk marker for cardiac diseases in older ages.