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Porphyromonas gingivalis as a Model Organism for Assessing Interaction of Anaerobic Bacteria with Host Cells
12:16

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

Published on: December 17, 2015

Brain abscess in which Porphyromonas gingivalis was detected in cerebrospinal fluid

Yutaka Iida1, Kazufumi Honda, Tomonori Suzuki

  • 1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tokyo Medical University, 6-7-1 Nishishinjuku Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan. yutapon@mui.biglobe.ne.jp

The British Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
|March 12, 2004
PubMed

Insights

This case study identifies Porphyromonas gingivalis, a bacterium, in the cerebrospinal fluid of a patient with a severe brain abscess. This finding highlights a potential link between this oral pathogen and serious central nervous system infections.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Brain abscesses are serious intracranial infections requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment.
  • Porphyromonas gingivalis is a known periodontal pathogen associated with gum disease.

Observation:

  • A severe brain abscess case is presented.
  • Porphyromonas gingivalis was identified in the patient's spinal fluid (cerebrospinal fluid).

Findings:

  • This is a rare detection of Porphyromonas gingivalis in cerebrospinal fluid.
  • The presence of this oral bacterium suggests a potential route of central nervous system invasion.

Implications:

  • This case broadens the understanding of potential pathogens involved in brain abscess formation.
  • Further research may explore the role of Porphyromonas gingivalis in neurological infections.
  • Highlights the importance of considering oral health in the context of systemic and neurological conditions.

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