title: Evaluation of periodontal pathogens in amniotic fluid and the role of periodontal disease in pre-term birth and low birth weight.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Pre-term birth and/or low birth weight (PTLBW) is a serious problem in developing countries. The absence of known risk factors in ≈ 50% of PTLBW cases has resulted in a continued search for other causes. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of periodontitis on pregnancy outcomes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Samples were taken from 50 pregnant women who underwent amniocentesis. Polymerase chain reaction was performed on amniotic fluid samples obtained during amniocentesis and on subgingival plaque samples to determine the presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Treponema denticola, Tannerella forsythia, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prevotella intermedia, Campylobacter rectus and Eikenella corrodens. Plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, probing depth and clinical attachment level were evaluated. Medical records were obtained after birth.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Social and demographic variables were similar among the Gingivitis (G), Localized Periodontitis (LP) and Generalized Periodontitis (GP) groups. Four subjects gave birth to PTLBW neonates. Campylobacter rectus, T. forsythia, P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum were detected in the amniotic fluid and subgingival plaque samples of three patients who gave birth to PTLBW neonates. The amniotic fluid sample from the fourth patient was not positive for any of the tested pathogens.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings suggest that the transmission of some periodontal pathogens from the oral cavity of the mother may cause adverse pregnancy outcomes. The results contribute to an understanding of the association between periodontal disease and PTLBW, but further studies are required to better clarify the possible relationship.
authors: Department of Periodontology, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey. esraercan82@gmail.com
authors: Esra
authors: E
authors: Ercan
authors: Kenan
authors: K
authors: Eratalay
authors: Ozgur
authors: O
authors: Deren
authors: Deniz
authors: D
authors: Gur
authors: Ozgur
authors: O
authors: Ozyuncu
authors: Belgin
authors: B
authors: Altun
authors: Ceyda
authors: C
authors: Kanli
authors: Pınar
authors: P
authors: Ozdemir
authors: Hakan
authors: H
authors: Akincibay
mesh_terms: D000653:Amniotic Fluid / Q000382:microbiology*; D001419:Bacteria / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification; D001483:Base Sequence; D017931:DNA Primers; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000382:microbiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000382:microbiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D047928:Premature Birth
chemical_list: D017931:DNA Primers