Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2007
Abstract
Background: The prtH gene of Tannerella forsythensis encodes for a cysteine protease possessing virulent properties. Subgingival colonization by T. forsythensis with this genotype has been suggested to be a discriminator between periodontal health and disease. This study examined the prevalence of T forsythensis prtH genotype in subgingival plaque and its association with periodontal disease progression and current disease status. Methods: Subjects harboring T. forsythensis in their subgingival plaque were identified using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The presence or absence of the prtH genotype was assessed by conventional PCR. Probing depths and relative attachment levels were also assessed. Results: The prtH genotype was detected in 13 of 56 (23.2) subjects harboring T. forsythensis in their subgingival plaque. Periodontal disease progression was defined as two or more sites with >= 2 mm attachment loss in the previous 2-year period; current disease was defined as four or more sites with probing depths A mm. The odds of periodontal disease (progression and/or current disease) were 1.55 times greater in subjects harboring prtH genotype T. forsythensis than in subjects in whom prtH was not detected. The prtH genotype was associated with higher numbers of T forsythensis. In subjects with high levels of T. forsythensis, prtH genotype was associated with an increased extent of periodontal disease 2 years subsequently. Conclusions: These results show that T. forsythensis prtH genotype is associated with high levels of T. forsythensis. However, further work is needed to determine whether it also is a useful marker of periodontal disease progression in T forsythensis-infected subjects.
Keywords
Cysteine endopeptidases Genotype Periodontal disease Virulence bacterial protein cysteine proteinase PrtH protein, bacteria unclassified drug virulence factor article Bacteroides case control study disease course enzymology female genetics human male microbiology middle aged nonparametric test pathogenicity polymerase chain reaction risk statistical model tooth plaque Bacterial Proteins Case-Control Studies Dental Plaque Disease Progression Humans Logistic Models Odds Ratio Periodontal Diseases Statistics, Nonparametric Virulence Factors
Divisions
OralPathologyOralMedicinePeriodontology
Publication Title
Journal of Periodontology
Volume
78
Issue
2
Additional Information
Times Cited: 4