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Porphyromonas gingivalis as a Model Organism for Assessing Interaction of Anaerobic Bacteria with Host Cells
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Porphyromonas gingivalis as a Model Organism for Assessing Interaction of Anaerobic Bacteria with Host Cells

Published on: December 17, 2015

Relationship between transmission of Porphyromonas gingivalis and fimA type in spouses

Hiroyuki Asano1, Kazuyuki Ishihara, Taneaki Nakagawa

  • 1Department of Periodontics, Oral Health Science Center, Tokyo Dental College, Chiba, Japan. asano@tdc.ac.jp

Journal of Periodontology
|October 31, 2003
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Porphyromonas gingivalis transmission between spouses is linked to the fimA type II gene. This specific genotype may play a key role in the spread of this periodontal pathogen within couples.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Oral Health
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Porphyromonas gingivalis is a primary pathogen in chronic periodontitis.
  • Identifying infection sources is crucial for effective periodontal therapy.
  • Fimbrial genotypes are implicated as key factors in P. gingivalis infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the transmission of Porphyromonas gingivalis between married couples.
  • To determine the association between P. gingivalis fimA type and colonization within couples.

Main Methods:

  • Studied 14 couples for P. gingivalis transmission and fimA types.
  • Analyzed 32 subgingival plaque samples from 47 periodontitis patients for fimA distribution.
  • Utilized pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) to confirm strain transmission.

Main Results:

  • Identical P. gingivalis strains were found in 6 out of 14 couples.
  • Type II fimA gene was present in 83.3% of couples with confirmed transmission.
  • Type II fimA was significantly more prevalent in couples with transmission compared to general periodontitis patients.

Conclusions:

  • fimA type II may be a significant factor in P. gingivalis transmission between spouses.
  • This finding aids in understanding intrafamilial spread of periodontal pathogens.

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