Abstract
Based on a holistic concept of polymicrobial etiology, we have hypothesized that putative and candidate periodontal pathogens are more frequently detected in consortia than alone in advanced forms of periodontal diseases (PD).
Objective
To correlate specific consortia of periodontal pathogens with clinical periodontal status and severity of periodontitis.
Methodology
Subgingival biofilm was obtained from individuals with periodontal health (113, PH), gingivitis (91, G), and periodontitis (209, P). Genomic DNA was purified and the species Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), Aa JP2-like strain, Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Dialister pneumosintes (Dp), and Filifactor alocis (Fa) were detected by PCR. Configural frequency and logistic regression analyses were performed to correlate microbial consortia and PD.
Results
Aa + Pg in the presence of Dp (phi=0.240; χ2=11.9, p<0.01), as well as Aa JP2 + Dp + Fa (phi=0.186, χ2=4.6, p<0.05) were significantly more associated in advanced stages of P. The consortium Aa + Fa + Dp was strongly associated with deep pocketing and inflammation (p<0.001). The best predictors of disease severity (80% accuracy) included older age (OR 1.11 [95% CI 1.07 – 1.15], p<0.001), Black/African-American ancestry (OR 1.89 [95% CI 1.19 – 2.99], p=0.007), and high frequency of Aa + Pg + Dp (OR 3.04 [95% CI 1.49 – 6.22], p=0.002).
Conclusion
Specific microbial consortia of putative and novel periodontal pathogens, associated with demographic parameters, correlate with severe periodontitis, supporting the multifactorial nature of PD.
Gingivitis; Periodontitis; Dental plaque; PCR; Microbial consortia