Isolation of Helicobacter pylori from dental plaque: A microbiological study

| Posted in: Science

Journal name: Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology
Original article title: Isolation of Helicobacter pylori from dental plaque: A microbiological study
The Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology (JISP) publishes original scientific articles on periodontology (the study of supporting structures of teeth) and oral implantology. It is a bimonthly open-access journal with special issues for specific occasions.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.

Original source:

This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.

Author:

Uma Sudhakar, C. N. Anusuya, T. Ramakrishnan, R. Vijayalakshmi


Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology:

(A bimonthly open-access journal)

Full text available for: Isolation of Helicobacter pylori from dental plaque: A microbiological study

Year: 2008 | Doi: 10.4103/0972-124X.44098

Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

The study aimed to isolate Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) from the dental plaque of patients suffering from gastric and duodenal ulcers and to compare those results with dental plaque from healthy individuals. H. pylori is a microaerophilic, Gram-negative bacterium known to be associated with various gastric conditions, including gastritis and peptic ulcers. The research involved a group of 50 patients, aged 25-50, who were endoscopically diagnosed with ulcers, and a control group of 25 healthy subjects. The isolation of H. pylori was conducted using culture methods and a rapid urease test (RUT), and comparisons were made regarding the sensitivity and specificity of these diagnostic tests as well as the oral hygiene status of the participants.

Diagnostic Challenges in Isolation of H. pylori

The results highlighted significant challenges in accurately isolating H. pylori from dental plaque. While the culture method revealed a 10% positivity rate for H. pylori in the patient group, the RUT demonstrated a much higher positivity rate of 70%. However, RUT's specificity was found to be low, at 54.3%, leading to a substantial false-positive rate. The study demonstrated that the sensitivity of RUT was excellent (100%) but emphasized that it should not be solely relied upon for accurate diagnosis because of its inability to distinguish H. pylori from other urease-producing bacteria found in dental plaque. The study also correlated oral hygiene scores and plaque indexes, finding that patients with ulcers exhibited notably poorer oral hygiene compared to control subjects.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that H. pylori can potentially reside in dental plaque, challenging the conventional understanding of its pathogenicity through oral-oral transmission. Given the limitations of RUT and the need for more reliable detection methods, further research is warranted to improve diagnostic accuracy and explore the implications of H. pylori presence in oral health. The study suggests that enhancing oral hygiene could reduce the microbial load, which might indirectly influence the recurrence of H. pylori-related gastric conditions. Future investigations into techniques such as polymerase chain reaction and serological testing will be essential for developing noninvasive methods for identifying H. pylori infections, particularly in relation to their potential transmission routes from the oral cavity.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What was the aim of the study on H. pylori?

The study aimed to isolate H. pylori from dental plaque in patients with gastric and duodenal ulcers and compare the results with dental plaque from healthy subjects.

How was H. pylori isolated from dental plaque?

H. pylori was isolated using culture methods and rapid urease tests (RUT) from dental plaque samples collected from ulcer patients and a control group.

What were the results of H. pylori isolation in the study?

The study found a 10% positivity rate by culture and a 70% positivity rate by RUT among ulcer patients, indicating further investigation is needed.

What is the significance of oral hygiene in relation to H. pylori?

The study indicated a correlation between oral hygiene status and the presence of H. pylori in patients, emphasizing the importance of maintaining oral hygiene.

What do the findings suggest about H. pylori transmission?

The findings suggest that dental plaque may serve as a reservoir for H. pylori, supporting the potential for oral transmission of the bacterium.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Isolation of Helicobacter pylori from dental plaque: A microbiological study”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Study (Studying):
The study refers to the structured investigation aimed at isolating H. pylori from dental plaque in individuals with gastric and duodenal ulcers as well as healthy subjects. This research is critical to understanding the correlation between oral health and systemic diseases, specifically in relation to H. pylori infections and their potential reservoirs.

2) Disease:
In the context of this article, disease pertains to conditions such as gastritis and peptic ulcers caused by H. pylori infections. This highlights the significance of examining oral health as a potential factor in the incidence and management of gastrointestinal diseases, thus linking oral and systemic health.

3) Ulcer:
Ulcers, particularly gastric and duodenal ulcers, are focal points of the study. They serve as clinical conditions being investigated for their association with H. pylori, emphasizing the role of the bacterium in pathology and the potential for oral sources of infection affecting ulcer development.

4) Table:
The term 'table' refers to the use of tabulated data in the study to present results, such as diagnostic test outcomes and comparisons of scores. Tables are crucial for visualizing findings and facilitating the understanding of complex data regarding H. pylori detection methods.

5) Surface:
The surface relates to the tooth surfaces from which dental plaque samples were collected. It underscores the importance of these surfaces in the study, as they are critical sites for microbial colonization, potentially harboring pathogens like H. pylori within the oral biofilm.

6) Hygiene (Hygienic):
Hygiene refers to the status of oral hygiene evaluated through indices like the oral hygiene index (OHI-S) in the study. Poor oral hygiene is correlated with increased bacterial presence in the oral cavity and may influence the risk of gastrointestinal diseases associated with H. pylori.

7) Transmission:
Transmission highlights the potential pathways through which H. pylori spreads, including oro-oral routes. This concept is essential for understanding how H. pylori infections can occur not just via traditional means but also through oral health, necessitating further exploration of prevention strategies.

8) Developing:
The term 'developing' in this context relates to countries with higher prevalence rates of H. pylori infections. This reflects on socioeconomic factors and public health systems affecting infection rates, emphasizing a global health concern that requires targeted research and interventions.

9) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
The mention of 'antibiotic' focuses on the treatment of H. pylori infections, which are often resistant to standard regimens. The study explores implications of antibiotic failure in eradicating the bacteria and the necessity for alternative treatment strategies that consider the organism's reservoirs.

10) Substance:
Substance refers to the various chemicals and environmental factors within dental plaque that may influence H. pylori survival and pathogenicity. The interplay of these substances in the oral biofilm can affect bacterial behavior, impacting transmission and treatment of infections.

11) Channel:
Channel describes the fluid-filled pathways within the dental plaque biofilm, which allow for nutrient and waste exchange among bacteria. Understanding these channels can aid in grasping bacterial interactions and the ecological dynamics of H. pylori in the oral cavity.

12) Reason:
In this research, reason pertains to the rationale behind studying the presence of H. pylori in dental plaque. It highlights the importance of uncovering the connection between oral health and systemic disease to better understand infection sources and prevention strategies.

13) Blood:
Blood indicates the potential pathways for systemic dissemination of pathogens originating in the oral cavity, linking microbial activity in dental plaque to broader health issues. This emphasizes the importance of maintaining oral health to prevent systemic complications associated with H. pylori.

14) Food:
Food refers to the potential vectors for H. pylori transmission and colonization in the oral cavity. Understanding the role of dietary habits and hygiene practices is fundamental in investigating how food can introduce or exacerbate H. pylori infections.

15) Human body:
The human body is the biological context of this study, where interactions between oral and gastrointestinal health are examined. It underlines the significance of understanding the microbial community's role in health and disease pathogenesis in different body systems.

16) Inflammation:
Inflammation denotes the body's immune response to H. pylori present in the gastric mucosa, which can lead to gastritis and ulcers. This aspect is central to understanding the pathogen's detrimental effects on gastric health and the mechanisms of disease progression.

17) Measurement:
Measurement encompasses the assessment of oral hygiene indices and plaque scores in participants. These metrics are crucial for evaluating the relationship between oral health and H. pylori presence, thereby supporting conclusions drawn from patient data.

18) Transformation (Transform, Transforming):
Transformed refers to the handling of dental plaque samples in a laboratory setting, where they are processed for culture and urease tests. This concept underscores the methodological aspects of the study that determine the validity of findings.

19) Science (Scientific):
Scientific refers to the empirical basis of the study, emphasizing the need for rigorous methodologies to establish a clear understanding of the H. pylori-host interaction and the implications for oral and gastrointestinal health.

20) Knowledge:
Knowledge in this context highlights the need for increased awareness about the connection between oral health and systemic diseases like ulcers. It emphasizes the importance of research in improving public health strategies and therapeutic approaches.

21) Attending:
Attending relates to the patient selection process for the study, indicating that participants are sourced from a specific medical setting. This term reinforces the clinical basis of the research and its relevance to real-world health scenarios.

22) Activity:
Activity pertains to the microbial and enzymatic processes occurring within dental plaque that can influence H. pylori viability. Understanding these activities is vital for comprehending how H. pylori survives and functions in its oral reservoir.

23) Chennai:
Chennai is the geographical location where the study was conducted, emphasizing the relevance of regional health issues related to H. pylori. This context provides insight into the local prevalence and specific characteristics of infections within targeted populations.

24) Species:
Species refers to the various bacterial species present in dental plaque alongside H. pylori, which can affect diagnostic outcomes. The complex interactions between these species underscore the need for careful analysis in studies of oral microbial communities.

25) Medium:
Medium pertains to the culture media used for isolating H. pylori from dental plaque samples. The choice of media is critical for the successful growth and identification of pathogens in microbiological studies.

26) Thirst:
Thirst denotes the motivation behind conducting this study as researchers aim to clarify the role of oral health in H. pylori infection dynamics. This desire for knowledge drives further investigations into the complexities of microbial relationships and health implications.

27) Filling (Filled):
Filled refers to the fluid-filled spaces within the dental plaque biofilm. These spaces play a crucial role in nutrient transport, microbial communication, and overall health, illustrating the importance of biofilm architecture in studies of oral pathogens.

28) Madra (Madrā):
Although 'Madra' seems to be a potential misspelling, it emphasizes the local setting within the Madras Medical and Dental College where research participants were selected. This reflects the importance of local healthcare institutions in the study of public health issues.

29) India:
India reflects the specific regional context for the study, emphasizing the prevalence of H. pylori infections and the oral health challenges faced in this country. This context helps in understanding the broader implications of the findings on public health.

30) Water:
Water refers to one of the possible transmission pathways for H. pylori. Understanding such pathways is significant for public health efforts aimed at controlling infection spread through environmental factors, including drinking water quality.

31) Birth:
Birth indicates the broader implications of H. pylori infections, including associations with low birth weight and other prenatal issues. This highlights the systemic effects of oral and gastric health on overall human health across life stages.

32) Hand:
Hand, in this context, could metaphorically refer to the methods or procedures used in the study to collect and analyze samples. It underscores the importance of proper techniques and handling in yielding accurate scientific results.

33) Gold (Golden):
Gold symbolizes the gold standard in diagnostic testing, indicating the culture method used to detect H. pylori. This term emphasizes the importance of comparison between diagnostic methods to establish efficacy, accuracy, and reliability in clinical settings.

34) Drug:
Drug refers to the various treatments available for H. pylori infections. The study's exploration of antibiotic efficacy highlights the ongoing challenges in H. pylori eradication therapies, indicating the need for innovative therapeutic approaches.

Other Science Concepts:

[back to top]

Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Isolation of Helicobacter pylori from dental plaque: A microbiological study’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Oral transmission, Statistical analysis, Plaque index, Dental plaque, Antimicrobial therapy, Oral Hygiene Index, Gastric ulcer, Helicobacter pylori, Duodenal ulcer, Rapid urease test, Gram negative organism, Specificity and sensitivity, Culture method.

Let's grow together!

I humbly request your help to keep doing what I do best: provide the world with unbiased sources, definitions and images. Your donation direclty influences the quality and quantity of knowledge, wisdom and spiritual insight the world is exposed to.

Let's make the world a better place together!

Like what you read? Help to become even better: