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Modulation of chronic enteric infection by distant oral infection
J E Bergman1, R R Arnold, M Trope
1Department of Endodontics, University of North Carolina School of Dentistry, Chapel Hill 27599-7450, USA.
Abstract:
This investigation determined the effects of a distant oral infection (Porphyromonas gingivalis) on a concurrent local enteric infection (Echerichia coli). A modified murine subcutaneous tissue chamber model was used. Subcutaneously implanted chambers with different microbial makeups were monitored for sloughing and their contents assayed for prostaglandin E2. Bilaterally implanted chamber experiments revealed that a distant "chronic" (immunization with heat-killed organism, followed by live challenge) P. gingivalis infection offered protection against a local chronic E. coli infection, as evidenced by delaying the time for 50% of the chambers to reject from day 19 to day 25 and a statistically significant prostaglandin E2 decrease from 529.4 +/- 176.6 ng/ml to 191.5 +/- 100.9 ng/ml (p < 0.01) (Mann-Whitney test). An acute (live challenge only) distant P. gingivalis infection or immunization with the heat-killed organism alone had no effect on "chronic" E. coli infection in this model. These data suggest that the presence of low-grade chronic oral infection may modify the responses to other infectious challenges.
Insights
A chronic oral infection with Porphyromonas gingivalis may protect against a concurrent Echerichia coli infection. This finding suggests oral infections can influence systemic responses to other pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Oral Health
Background:
- Concurrent infections can complicate disease management.
- The interplay between oral and enteric pathogens is not fully understood.
- Porphyromonas gingivalis is associated with periodontitis, while Echerichia coli can cause enteric infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of a distant oral infection on a local enteric infection.
- To determine if chronic Porphyromonas gingivalis infection influences the host response to Echerichia coli.
Main Methods:
- A modified murine subcutaneous tissue chamber model was utilized.
- Chambers were implanted with varying microbial compositions.
- Monitoring included chamber sloughing and prostaglandin E2 levels.
Main Results:
- Chronic Porphyromonas gingivalis infection delayed E. coli-induced chamber rejection (day 19 to day 25).
- Prostaglandin E2 levels were significantly reduced in the presence of chronic P. gingivalis infection (529.4 to 191.5 ng/ml).
- Acute P. gingivalis infection or immunization alone did not affect chronic E. coli infection.
Conclusions:
- Low-grade chronic oral infections may modulate host responses to unrelated infectious challenges.
- P. gingivalis-induced immune modulation could offer protection against enteric pathogens like E. coli.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms of this cross-protection.