title: Periodontal status of tuberculosis patients - Is there a two-way link?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The influence of systemic disorders on periodontal tissues is well established. Amongst various chronic debilitating diseases, tuberculosis (TB) is one of the major health problems in most developing countries. Although it has a definite affinity for the lungs, it can affect any part of the body including the oral cavity. TB and periodontitis are the two distinct disease processes. But environmental and biological factors play a key role in etiopathogenesis of both the diseases. These factors alter tissue microenvironment leading to cascade of untoward events.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To assess and compare the periodontal status of TB patients with that of non-TB subjects.
  
  
  METHODS
  50 subjects were recruited and divided into 2 groups. Group A consisted of subjects suffering from TB serving as Test group while group B included non-TB subjects serving as Control group.
  
  
  METHODS
  Unpaired t-test was used.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Statistically significant difference in probing pocket depth and bleeding on probing was found between groups A and B, with the difference being higher in group A subjects, thus concluding that periodontal status might be linked with TB.
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontology, Subharti Dental College and Hospital, NH-58, Subhartipuram, Delhi-Haridwar Bypass Road, Meerut, India.
authors.forename: Anamika
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.affiliation: Postgraduate Student, Department of Periodontology, Subharti Dental College and Hospital, NH-58, Subhartipuram, Delhi-Haridwar Bypass Road, Meerut, India. Electronic address: drharshi1518@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Harshita
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Garg
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontology, Subharti Dental College and Hospital, NH-58, Subhartipuram, Delhi-Haridwar Bypass Road, Meerut, India.
authors.forename: Shivi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Khattri
authors.affiliation: Postgraduate Student, Department of Periodontology, Subharti Dental College and Hospital, NH-58, Subhartipuram, Delhi-Haridwar Bypass Road, Meerut, India.
authors.forename: Shatakshi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sharma
mesh_terms: D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006801:Humans; D010512:Periodontal Index; D010518:Periodontitis / Q000150:complications*; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000150:complications*
keywords: Inflammation; Periodontal disease; Periodontitis; Tuberculosis