Fusobacterium nucleatum: key pathogen in periodontitis.
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Fusobacterium nucleatum- an eminent periodontal pathogen and its role in periodontitis
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Original source:
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Malathi K., Sandhya Gnanasambandam, Muthukumaraswamy Arunachalam, Rachana Anagol, Rohit M. and Vidhya Banu P.
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
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Full text available for: Fusobacterium nucleatum- an eminent periodontal pathogen and its role in periodontitis
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20235-27407
Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Fusobacterium nucleatum is a gram-negative, anaerobic bacillus recognized for its significant role as a periodontal pathogen in the development and progression of periodontitis. Its presence is consistently noted in both healthy and diseased oral environments, with increasing levels correlating with the severity of periodontal conditions. The detection and identification of F. nucleatum require advanced methodologies such as bacterial culture, microscopy, and PCR. The understanding of this bacterium extends to its interactions within the oral microbiome and its implication in host immune responses.
Coaggregation and Biofilm Formation
One of the critical aspects of F. nucleatum's role in periodontal disease is its ability to coaggregate with both early and late colonizers within dental biofilms. This unique positioning allows F. nucleatum to serve as a bridge, facilitating the colonization of other pathogenic bacteria such as Treponema denticola and Porphyromonas gingivalis. The coaggregation process is essential for the establishment of mixed-species biofilms, where F. nucleatum interacts not only with bacterial partners but also with host cells through galactose-sensitive adhesins. This bi-directional interaction underscores the bacterium's importance in maintaining microbial community dynamics in dental plaque.
Pathogenic Mechanisms of F. nucleatum
F. nucleatum demonstrates a range of pathogenic mechanisms that contribute to its virulence in periodontal infections. These mechanisms include bacterial attachment, invasion, and the induction of proinflammatory cytokines, particularly IL-8. The bacterium has the unique ability to invade human gingival epithelial cells through a "zipping" mechanism, which differs from the more common "ruffling" mechanism observed in other pathogens. This invasion not only allows F. nucleatum to evade immune surveillance but also facilitates deeper tissue penetration, resulting in inflammation and tissue destruction associated with periodontitis.
Immune Response Modulation
The presence of F. nucleatum is also linked to the modulation of immune responses within the periodontal environment. This bacterium can stimulate the production of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-8, exacerbating inflammation and contributing to the tissue destruction seen in periodontal disease. Its interactions with host-derived molecules allow it to influence both local immune responses and community interactions with other oral pathogens, suggesting that while F. nucleatum is regarded as a periodontal pathogen, it may also play a role in regulating host defense mechanisms.
Conclusion
Fusobacterium nucleatum stands out as a significant periodontal pathogen due to its complex interactions within the oral microbiome and its capability to modulate host immune responses. Recognized for its invasive nature and its role in facilitating the coaggregation of other periodontal bacteria, F. nucleatum is crucial for the progression of periodontitis. Understanding its pathogenic potential is vital for developing effective therapeutic strategies, such as antibiotic administration and periodontal interventions, aimed at managing chronic periodontal infections. This bacterium's elimination is essential for restoring oral health and preventing further periodontal tissue damage.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Fusobacterium nucleatum and its significance?
Fusobacterium nucleatum is a gram-negative bacterium linked to periodontal diseases. It plays a crucial role in plaque biofilm formation and is frequently found in both healthy and diseased gum tissues.
How does Fusobacterium nucleatum contribute to periodontal disease?
F. nucleatum is involved in coaggregation with other bacteria, facilitating their colonization. Its presence correlates with increased severity of periodontal disease, contributing to inflammation and attachment loss.
What methods are used to detect Fusobacterium nucleatum?
Detection methods include bacterial culture, microscopy, DNA probe hybridization, and PCR, which are essential for accurately identifying F. nucleatum in clinical samples.
What are the pathogenic characteristics of Fusobacterium nucleatum?
F. nucleatum can invade human epithelial cells, induce cytokine production, and has synergistic effects with other pathogens in periodontal infections, highlighting its role as a virulent agent.
What role does F. nucleatum play in biofilm formation?
F. nucleatum acts as a bridge between early and late colonizers in dental biofilms. Its ability to coaggregate helps facilitate the overall formation and stability of dental plaque.
How can Fusobacterium nucleatum be managed in periodontal therapy?
Effective management includes antibiotic treatment and surgical or non-surgical periodontal therapy, targeting F. nucleatum to reduce its presence in plaque associated with chronic periodontal infections.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Fusobacterium nucleatum: key pathogen in periodontitis.”. 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) Disease:
Diseases encompass a range of conditions that disrupt normal bodily functions, often caused by infectious agents, genetics, or environmental factors. Multiple diseases can arise from the same pathogens, as seen in periodontal disease where various conditions affect oral health, influencing systemic health due to their inflammatory nature.
2) Species:
Species denotes a group of organisms classified together based on shared characteristics, including genetic similarities. In periodontitis research, various bacterial species like Fusobacterium nucleatum are identified, as their specific roles and interactions in the disease process are crucial for understanding periodontal health and therapies.
3) Tamilnadu (Tamil-nadu):
Tamilnadu is a state in India renowned for its rich culture, education, and healthcare systems. The Tamilnadu Government Dental College and Hospital is instrumental in periodontal research and treatment, contributing to the understanding of diseases like periodontitis and the bacterial species involved in dental health.
4) Inflammation:
Inflammation is the body's response to injury or infection, characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain. In periodontal diseases, inflammation occurs in response to pathogenic bacteria like Fusobacterium nucleatum, leading to tissue destruction and chronic conditions that affect the integrity of oral health.
5) Surface:
Surfaces in the study of periodontology relate to the tooth and gum tissues where bacteria colonize. These surfaces are significant for understanding biofilm dynamics and developing strategies to mitigate harmful bacterial effects, ultimately promoting better oral hygiene practices.
6) Sah:
Shah is a surname associated with various individuals in medicine and research, including co-authors involved in significant studies. It symbolizes contributions to the scientific community, particularly in microbiology and periodontal health, shedding light on critical bacteria like Fusobacterium nucleatum and their roles in disease.
7) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibiotics are substances used to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria. They are crucial in treating bacterial infections, including periodontal diseases caused by pathogens like Fusobacterium nucleatum. Effective antibiotic therapy can mitigate the effects of these bacteria, improving patient outcomes in oral health.
8) Sandhya (Shandhya, Samdhya):
Sandhya is a name associated with one of the authors of the study. Her role as a postgraduate researcher indicates her contributions to advancing knowledge in periodontology, particularly in understanding the interplay of bacteria in diseases like periodontitis and designing interventions.
9) Meeting:
The meeting refers to a specific event detailing discussions among experts regarding taxonomic classifications. Such meetings help validate and establish scientific consensus on the roles and classifications of pathogenic bacteria, such as those involved in periodontal diseases, crucial for advancing dental research.
10) Reason:
Reason indicates the rationale behind scientific investigations, guiding inquiries into the mechanisms of diseases like periodontitis. Understanding the underlying reasons for bacterial pathogenicity helps researchers develop better prevention and treatment strategies against periodontal diseases and their associated health impacts.
11) Genu:
Genu, meaning 'knee' in Latin, may not have direct relevance in this context but can metaphorically represent the connection points in periodontal research where different bacterial interactions lead to complex responses and potential complications like diseases affecting dental structures.
12) Pari:
Pari can be a name or term used in various contexts. While not directly mentioned in the study, it may symbolize an individual involved in research or discussions relevant to the understanding of periodontal pathogens and their impact on public health.
13) Drug:
Drugs are substances utilized for diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of diseases. In the context of periodontal health, drugs, including antibiotics, play a vital role in managing infections caused by bacteria such as Fusobacterium nucleatum, thereby alleviating symptoms and restoring oral health.
14) Arunachalam:
Arunachalam is likely another author contributing to the study, reflecting collaborative efforts in enhancing understanding in periodontology. His expertise may contribute significantly to research outcomes and the development of better diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for periodontal diseases.
15) Surrounding:
Surrounding refers to the environment or context in which organisms live. In periodontal disease studies, understanding the surrounding oral biome and host interactions with bacteria like Fusobacterium nucleatum is essential for grasping disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.
16) Knowledge:
Knowledge pertains to the understanding gained from studies and research. In the context of periodontology, expanding knowledge about bacteria's roles in periodontal diseases empowers clinicians to devise more effective treatments and preventive measures, improving patient oral health outcomes.
17) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing illnesses. In periodontal health, medical understanding shapes how bacterial infections, like those caused by Fusobacterium nucleatum, are treated, recognizing the importance of integrated medical approaches to manage oral health.
18) Activity:
Activity refers to the various biological actions undertaken by organisms. In periodontitis, the activity of bacteria like Fusobacterium nucleatum, in coaggregating with other species, plays a critical role in the development and progression of periodontal disease, influencing treatment strategies.
19) Hygiene (Hygienic):
Hygiene refers to practices aimed at maintaining health through cleanliness. In the context of periodontal disease, good oral hygiene is paramount in preventing bacterial growth and plaque formation, thus reducing the risk of conditions like gingivitis and periodontitis.
20) Malati:
Malathi is likely one of the lead authors contributing to the study. Her role signifies the importance of educational institutions like the Tamilnadu Government Dental College in advancing periodontal research, addressing the impact of pathogens such as Fusobacterium nucleatum.
21) Manure:
Manure, referring to animal feces used as fertilizer, can hold microbial life forms, including pathogenic bacteria. Its relevance to periodontal disease research underlines the importance of understanding where these bacteria reside outside the human host and their potential sources for infections.
22) Sugar:
Sugar plays a critical role in oral health as it serves as a substrate for bacterial metabolism. Its presence in the oral cavity can exacerbate the growth of periodontal pathogens like Fusobacterium nucleatum, leading to increased risks of periodontal disease.
23) Death:
Death relates to the cessation of life, but in a medical context, it can also refer to cellular death induced by microbial pathogens. In periodontitis, bacterial species may induce inflammatory responses that result in the death of host cells, contributing to tissue damage.
24) Study (Studying):
Study refers to systematic investigations conducted to gain knowledge. In periodontal research, studies focused on bacteria like Fusobacterium nucleatum are critical for elucidating their roles in disease progression, helping develop effective therapeutic interventions and guidelines for managing oral health.
25) Soil:
Soil serves as a habitat for various microorganisms, including potentially pathogenic bacteria. Research into the survival of bacteria like Fusobacterium nucleatum in soil can provide insights into their environmental resilience and implications for infections, supporting public health information strategies.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Fusobacterium nucleatum: key pathogen in periodontitis.’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Periodontal disease, Gingivitis, Periodontitis, Pathogenic potential, Pro-inflammatory cytokine, Apoptotic cell death, Virulence factor, Biofilm colonization, Oral bacteria, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Gram-negative anaerobic bacteria, Tissue inflammation, Oral epithelial cells.