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Porphyromonas gingivalis as a Model Organism for Assessing Interaction of Anaerobic Bacteria with Host Cells
Published on: December 17, 2015
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Porphyromonas gingivalis: major periodontopathic pathogen overview
Jaroslav Mysak1, Stepan Podzimek1, Pavla Sommerova1
1Institute of Clinical and Experimental Dental Medicine, First Faculty of Medicine and General University Hospital, Charles University, Karlovo Namesti 32, 12000 Prague, Czech Republic.
Journal of Immunology Research
|April 18, 2014
Summary
Porphyromonas gingivalis, a key periodontal pathogen, is a Gram-negative oral anaerobe. This review details its structure, metabolism, virulence, and role in periodontitis pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Oral Health
- Pathogenesis
Background:
- Porphyromonas gingivalis is a Gram-negative oral anaerobe and a natural member of the oral microbiome.
- It can act as a pathobiont, proliferating in periodontal lesions due to specialized virulence factors.
- P. gingivalis is part of the 'red complex' consortium linked to periodontitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of Porphyromonas gingivalis, a major periodontal pathogen.
- To discuss the structure, metabolism, and colonization abilities of P. gingivalis.
- To explore the influence of P. gingivalis on host immunity.
Main Methods:
- This is a review article.
- Literature review on Porphyromonas gingivalis.
- Synthesis of existing research on P. gingivalis.
Main Results:
- P. gingivalis possesses virulence factors enabling it to become destructive in periodontal disease.
- It colonizes epithelial cells and influences host immune responses.
- The bacterium is a key component of the pathogenic 'red complex' in periodontitis.
Conclusions:
- P. gingivalis is a significant contributor to periodontitis pathogenesis.
- Understanding its virulence mechanisms is crucial for combating periodontal disease.
- Further research into host-pathogen interactions is warranted.
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