Microbial composition of atherosclerotic plaques

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Cardiovascular Science
• Periodontology

Background:

• The link between infections like periodontitis and atherosclerotic diseases is known.
• Few oral species have been identified in atherosclerotic plaques despite the oral microbiota's proximity to the circulatory system.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the microbial diversity within atherosclerotic plaques.
• To correlate plaque microbial composition with patients' periodontal status.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequences from 35 atherosclerotic plaque samples.
• Periodontal clinical examinations of patients undergoing aorta endarterectomy.

Main Results:

• Bacterial DNA was detected in 34.3% of plaque samples.
• Twenty-three bacterial species were identified, with Proteobacteria and Firmicutes being dominant.
• The oral pathogen Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans was detected in 20% of samples, but no association with periodontal parameters was found.

Conclusions:

• Oral microbiota, particularly Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, may play a role in the inflammatory processes of atherogenesis.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms of oral bacteria in cardiovascular disease.