Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 24, 2026

Oral Biofilm Sampling for Microbiome Analysis in Healthy Children
10:42

Oral Biofilm Sampling for Microbiome Analysis in Healthy Children

Published on: December 31, 2017

[Relationship between the preterm low birth weight infant and the periodontal pathogen bacteria in maternal saliva]

Zhi-bin Chen1, Lu He, Jun Kang

  • 1Department of Periodontology, Peking University School & Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing 100081, China.

Beijing Da Xue Xue Bao. Yi Xue Ban = Journal of Peking University. Health Sciences
|February 23, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Maternal saliva analysis revealed higher levels of Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Tannerella forsythia (Tf), and Treponema Denticola (Td) in mothers of preterm and/or low birth weight (PLBW) infants. Pg detection specifically showed a potential link to PLBW outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Periodontology
  • Obstetrics

Background:

  • The oral microbiome composition in mothers may influence pregnancy outcomes.
  • Specific anaerobic bacteria have been implicated in various health conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the association between maternal salivary levels of Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Tannerella forsythia (Tf), and Treponema Denticola (Td) and preterm and/or low birth weight (PLBW) infants.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective case-control study involving 110 mothers (72 PLBW, 38 NBW) from Beijing hospitals.
  • Saliva samples were analyzed using PCR for the presence of Pg, Tf, and Td.
  • Periodontal parameters including plaque index, probing depth, bleeding index, and clinical attachment loss were assessed.

Main Results:

  • Significantly higher clinical attachment loss (CAL) was observed in the PLBW group compared to the NBW group.
  • Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) was detected at higher rates in the PLBW group (94.4%) versus the NBW group (78.9%).
  • Pg-positive mothers exhibited poorer periodontal health and lower infant birth weights compared to Pg-negative mothers.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated levels of Pg, Tf, and Td were found in the saliva of mothers with both PLBW and normal birth weight infants.
  • The presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) in maternal saliva is suggested to be associated with preterm and/or low birth weight outcomes.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Robust Ligature-Induced Model of Murine Periodontitis for the Evaluation of Oral Neutrophils07:15

Robust Ligature-Induced Model of Murine Periodontitis for the Evaluation of Oral Neutrophils

Published on: January 21, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
The Oral Microbiota01:27

The Oral Microbiota

The oral microbiome includes a complex ecosystem comprising over 700 microbial species, identified through genomic sequencing and culture-based analyses to date. This community includes a core microbiome, found universally among individuals, and a variable component influenced by environmental factors such as diet, lifestyle, and host genetics. Site-specific conditions, including oxygen gradients, pH levels, and nutrient availability, determine the spatial distribution of these microorganisms...
Development of Human Microbiota01:30

Development of Human Microbiota

The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from the skin...