Helicobacter pylori in subgingival plaque of periodontitis patients

| Posted in: Science Health Sciences

Journal name: Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology
Original article title: Presence of Helicobacter pylori in subgingival plaque of periodontitis patients with and without dyspepsia, detected by polymerase chain reaction and culture
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.
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Original source:

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Author:

Sangita Agarwal, K. D. Jithendra


Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology:

(A bimonthly open-access journal)

Full text available for: Presence of Helicobacter pylori in subgingival plaque of periodontitis patients with and without dyspepsia, detected by polymerase chain reaction and culture

Year: 2012 | Doi: 10.4103/0972-124X.100919

Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Helicobacter pylori is a significant gastrointestinal pathogen associated with conditions such as gastritis and peptic ulcer disease, affecting more than half of the global population. Despite various treatment regimens, eradication of H. pylori infections often fails, potentially due to unidentified sanctuary sites where the bacteria reside. This study aimed to investigate the oral cavity as a reservoir for H. pylori by examining the occurrence of the organism in the subgingival plaque of dyspeptic patients utilizing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and culture methods. The study contrasted patients with chronic periodontitis and diagnosed H. pylori infections against asymptomatic controls, contributing valuable insights into H. pylori's transmission pathways and persistence in the oral environment.

PCR vs. Culture: The Sensitivity of Detection

A critical finding in the study was the higher sensitivity of PCR compared to culture methods for detecting H. pylori in subgingival plaque. Among the participants, 60% of dyspeptic patients tested positive for H. pylori using PCR, contrasted with only 30% positivity through culture. In the control group, only 15% were positive via PCR, with no culture detections. This data underscores the effectiveness of PCR as a diagnostic tool, revealing that it was not only more sensitive but also capable of detecting non-viable forms of H. pylori. The results pointed to a higher prevalence of H. pylori in patients with a confirmed digestive tract infection, establishing the significance of the subgingival environment in relation to the organism's potential role in reinfection post-eradication therapy.

Conclusion

The study concluded that the subgingival area of dyspeptic patients with chronic periodontitis could serve as a reservoir for H. pylori, likely contributing to the risk of stomach reinfection. While H. pylori was minimally detected in healthy subjects, suggesting that periodontal pockets are not a natural reservoir, the data indicates the need for further research regarding the oral cavity's role in H. pylori transmission. The high sensitivity and specificity of PCR over culture methods present a promising avenue for non-invasive detection and support the hypothesis of oral spread as a principal transmission pathway for H. pylori. Future studies should focus on confirming these findings and exploring effective culturing techniques to elucidate the viability and infectious nature of H. pylori in the oral environment.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is the significance of Helicobacter pylori in gastrointestinal health?

Helicobacter pylori is linked to gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric cancer. It affects a large portion of the global population, highlighting its role as a significant gastrointestinal pathogen.

How was H. pylori detected in this study?

H. pylori was detected using subgingival plaque samples collected from patients. The study employed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for molecular detection and culture methods for isolating the organism.

What does the study suggest about the oral cavity's role?

The study suggests that the oral cavity, especially in dyspeptic patients, may act as a reservoir for H. pylori, potentially contributing to reinfection after treatment.

What were the findings regarding PCR compared to culture methods?

The study found PCR to be more sensitive, detecting H. pylori in 60% of cases, while culture methods identified only 30%. This indicates PCR's superiority in detecting low numbers of the bacteria.

What was the demographic of the study participants?

The study included 50 patients, aged 30-65 years, with chronic periodontitis. This group consisted of 30 cases with gastrointestinal symptoms and 20 controls without such symptoms.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Helicobacter pylori in subgingival plaque of periodontitis patients”. 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):
Study refers to the systematic investigation of a specific subject, in this case, the role of the oral cavity in Helicobacter pylori infections. The research looks at whether dental plaque can act as a reservoir for H. pylori, thereby impacting gastric health and treatment outcomes. Through this study, significant findings about the prevalence and detection of H. pylori were made.

2) Ulcer:
Ulcer refers to a sore on the skin or mucous membrane, commonly seen in conditions like peptic ulcers caused by H. pylori infection. Understanding the correlation between H. pylori and ulcer formation is critical, as it establishes the pathogen's significance in gastrointestinal diseases, prompting research on transmission and treatment.

3) Table:
Table is a structured arrangement of data used in the study to present results clearly and systematically. The tables display statistical comparisons between different groups, such as the prevalence of H. pylori in cases versus controls, aiding in understanding the findings and emphasizing the study's outcomes in a concise manner.

4) Species:
Species, in this context, refers to the various types of bacteria found within the oral cavity, including H. pylori. The study mentions other oral bacteria like Streptococcus and Actinomyces, which coexist in the oral microbiome. Understanding these species is essential for identifying the ecological dynamics affecting H. pylori detection and diagnosis.

5) Transmission:
Transmission pertains to how H. pylori spreads, particularly through the oral route. By assessing oral carriers, the study explores the implications for reinfection after eradication therapies. Staying aware of transmission pathways is fundamental for public health, as it could inform preventive strategies against H. pylori-related diseases.

6) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibiotic refers to the medications used to treat infections, including H. pylori. The study relates antibiotic therapy to the challenges of successfully eradicating the bacteria, as reinfections are common. Such findings highlight the importance of understanding the bacterial reservoirs to improve treatment efficacy and patient outcomes.

7) Disease:
Disease is indicative of pathological conditions caused by organisms like H. pylori, particularly gastrointestinal diseases such as gastritis and ulcers. The study establishes H. pylori as a major contributing factor to these illnesses, underscoring the need for ongoing research and public awareness of H. pylori's impacts on health.

8) Hygiene (Hygienic):
Hygiene refers to practices maintaining health and preventing disease. The study implies that poor oral hygiene could correlate with higher H. pylori prevalence. Thus, emphasizing hygiene can be instrumental in reducing H. pylori transmission and subsequent gastroenterological disorders, thereby supporting disease prevention initiatives.

9) Activity:
Activity can refer to the biological processes of H. pylori within the oral cavity and its role in disease. Higher activity levels of H. pylori may lead to increased infection rates. Understanding this activity is vital for managing infection and enhancing diagnostic strategies regarding H. pylori detection in dental plaque.

10) Science (Scientific):
Science underlines the empirical approach utilized in the research, integrating microbiology, molecular biology, and clinical sciences. The study employs scientific methodologies (PCR, culture) to evaluate H. pylori in subgingival plaque, reinforcing the need for scientific inquiry in addressing health issues associated with H. pylori.

11) Reason:
Reason pertains to the rationale behind investigating H. pylori in the oral cavity. Understanding the potential reservoir may elucidate causes of reinfection and treatment failure. The study contributes valuable insights, establishing a link between oral health and gastric diseases, thus providing a basis for further research.

12) Blood:
Blood can signify the systemic consequences of gastric diseases caused by H. pylori. Although the study primarily focuses on the oral cavity and subgingival plaque, complications of untreated H. pylori infections may lead to conditions affecting blood parameters, emphasizing the need for thorough diagnostics and patient management.

13) Developing:
Developing typically relates to countries facing greater challenges with H. pylori prevalence. The study notes higher rates of infection in developing nations, suggesting socioeconomic factors influence oral health and H. pylori transmission, calling for targeted public health strategies in these contexts.

14) Habitat:
Habitat refers to the environment where H. pylori resides and survives. The oral cavity, particularly within periodontal pockets, may serve as a suitable habitat for H. pylori, thus indicating that oral health directly impacts the risk of gastric infections and the treatment of related diseases.

15) Heating:
Heating pertains to the initial step in PCR processes during the study. Proper heating ensures accurate DNA denaturation, critical for amplifying specific bacterial genes. This procedural aspect is vital for reliable H. pylori detection, showcasing the importance of precise laboratory techniques in microbial diagnostics.

16) Surface:
Surface relates to where the H. pylori colonies may reside, particularly on the oral epithelial layers. Understanding different surfaces in the oral cavity helps identify potential niches for colonization, thereby informing treatment strategies and approaches to reduce bacterial load effectively.

17) Nature:
Nature refers to the characteristics and behavior of H. pylori as a microorganism. Understanding its nature is crucial for comprehending its role in infection and persistence, especially since it has adapted to survive in diverse environments, including the stomach and oral cavity.

18) Medium:
Medium signifies the growth environments used for culturing H. pylori. Selecting appropriate culture media is essential, as it influences microbial growth and detection rates. The study highlights how a specifically selective medium enhances the identification of H. pylori in oral samples.

19) Indian:
Indian refers to the population context examined in the study. High prevalence rates of H. pylori in this group reflect specific health and environmental factors in India. Understanding regional variations can help tailor public health initiatives and improve strategies for H. pylori management.

20) Male (Mālē):
Male indicates the demographic breakdown of study participants. Knowledge of gender distribution is essential for analyzing H. pylori prevalence and disease susceptibility, which can inform targeted healthcare strategies and enhance understanding of how male patients may differ in oral health and infection rates.

21) Hand:
Hand signifies the manual processes involved in data collection, sample handling, and implementation of laboratory techniques. Proper handling is crucial for ensuring sample integrity and achieving reliable results, ultimately impacting the study's conclusions about H. pylori prevalence in dental plaque.

Other Health Sciences Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Helicobacter pylori in subgingival plaque of periodontitis patients’. Further sources in the context of Health Sciences might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Treatment regimen, Ethical Clearance, Polymerase chain reaction, Periodontal disease, Oral cavity, Subgingival plaque, Antimicrobial therapy, Chronic periodontitis, Oral health status, Helicobacter pylori, Histopathologic examination, Rapid urease test, False positive rate, Sensitivity analysis, Infection rate, Culture method, Oral microbiota, Dyspeptic patients, Microaerophilic organisms, Systemic eradication therapy.

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