Subgingival plaque microbiota in HIV positive patients

Area of Science:

• Oral microbiology
• Immunocompromised host research

Background:

• HIV infection significantly impacts immune status, influencing oral health.
• Periodontal diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are common in individuals with HIV.
• The specific microbial profiles associated with these conditions in HIV patients require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and compare bacterial and fungal species in gingivitis, periodontitis, and linear gingival erythema (LGE) in HIV-positive subjects.
• To correlate microbial findings with immune status (CD4 levels and viral load).

Main Methods:

• Subgingival plaque samples were collected from 14 HIV-positive subjects.
• 16S and 18S rDNA gene sequencing was performed to identify bacterial and fungal species.
• HIV disease status was determined by viral load and CD4+ T-cell counts.

Main Results:

• 109 bacterial species were identified; nearly half were non-cultivable.
• Classical periodontal pathogens (e.g., Porphyromonas gingivalis) were below detection limits.
• Predominant bacteria included Gemella, Dialister, Streptococcus, and Veillonella.
• Gemella morbillorum was highly abundant in one subject with periodontitis and low viral load.
• Fungal species varied: Saccharomyces cerevisiae in LGE and high viral load periodontitis, Candida albicans predominant in low viral load periodontitis.

Conclusions:

• The study suggests that non-classical bacterial species, not typically associated with periodontal disease, may play a role in HIV-associated oral conditions.
• Findings indicate potential opportunistic infections in immunocompromised individuals with HIV.
• Further research is needed to understand the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases in the context of HIV and immune status.