Porphyromonas gingivalis in dental plaque and serum C-reactive protein levels in pregnancy.
BACKGROUND
The periodontopathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) has been reported as a risk factor for preterm labour. Its pathogenesis and role in pregnancy have not been investigated in Lebanon. Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in pregnant women with periodontitis also appear to mediate preterm labour.


METHODS
The study included 20 pregnant women with periodontitis and 20 with normal periodontium. PCR was done for Pg detection in oral plaque and vaginal samples. Serum CRP levels were determined by ELISA.


RESULTS
Pg was detected in the oral plaque of 13 of 20 pregnant subjects with clinical periodontitis (patients) and 2 of 20 controls with a healthy periodontium. Vaginal swabs were all Pg-negative, ruling out systemic infection. Serum CRP levels were elevated in 12 of 20 patients and 8 of 20 controls. None of the participants experienced preterm labour.


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first report that implicates Pg in Lebanese periodontitis patients. Preliminary results do not indicate a relationship among Pg, periodontitis, CRP levels and preterm labour.
Souccar
Nada M
NM
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon.
Chakhtoura
Marita
M
Ghafari
Joseph G
JG
Abdelnoor
Alexander Michael
AM
D000328:Adult; D016866:Bacteroidaceae Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis*; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000382:microbiology*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007861:Lebanon / Q000453:epidemiology; D010518:Periodontitis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D016966:Porphyromonas gingivalis / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000453:epidemiology*; D044967:Serum / Q000737:chemistry; D014621:Vagina / Q000382:microbiology; D055815:Young Adult
D002097:C-Reactive Protein