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In Situ Detection of Bacteria within Paraffin-embedded Tissues Using a Digoxin-labeled DNA Probe Targeting 16S rRNA
Published on: May 21, 2015
Localization of P. gingivalis in preterm delivery placenta
J Katz1, N Chegini, K T Shiverick
1Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Florida College of Dentistry, PO Box 100414, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA. jkatz@dental.ufl.edu
Journal of Dental Research
|July 10, 2009
Summary
Periodontal disease, specifically Porphyromonas gingivalis, was found in placental tissues of women with chorioamnionitis. This suggests a link between oral bacteria and adverse pregnancy outcomes like preterm delivery.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Periodontology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Periodontal disease is increasingly linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- The presence of oral bacteria in placental tissue during chorioamnionitis has not been previously demonstrated.
- Infection is a known risk factor for preterm delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis that periodontal pathogens are present in human placenta during chorioamnionitis.
- To determine if Porphyromonas gingivalis antigens can be detected in placental tissues.
Main Methods:
- Immunocytochemistry was used to detect Porphyromonas gingivalis antigens.
- Placental tissues from women with chorioamnionitis and normal-term pregnancies were analyzed.
- Immunostaining intensity was compared between the two groups.
Main Results:
- Porphyromonas gingivalis antigens were identified in placental syncytiotrophoblasts, chorionic trophoblasts, decidual cells, amniotic epithelial cells, and vascular cells.
- A significant increase in immunostaining intensity was observed in tissues from women with chorioamnionitis compared to normal-term pregnancies (p < 0.019).
Conclusions:
- Porphyromonas gingivalis commonly colonizes placental tissue.
- The presence of P. gingivalis in the placenta may contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm delivery.
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