Bacteria prevalence in a large Italian population sample: a clinical and microbiological study

Area of Science:

• Periodontology
• Microbiology
• Dental Research

Background:

• Periodontal disease affects a significant portion of the population.
• Understanding the etiological factors and bacterial involvement is crucial for effective treatment.
• Specific bacterial species are implicated in the pathogenesis of periodontitis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify bacterial species strongly associated with clinical signs of periodontitis.
• To investigate the relationship between periodontal pathogens, bleeding on probing, suppuration, and smoking.
• To quantify the influence of probing depth on bacterial load.

Main Methods:

• Microbiological testing for six key periodontal pathogens in 951 patients.
• Statistical analysis including cluster analysis, logistic regression, and multivariate linear regression.
• Correlation of bacterial presence and load with clinical parameters like bleeding on probing, suppuration, and probing depth.

Main Results:

• Increased probability (25-48%) of Red Complex bacteria with bleeding on probing.
• Lower prevalence of Red Complex, Orange Complex, and Actinomyces actinomycetemcomitans in shallow pockets (<3 mm) compared to deep pockets (>6 mm).
• Treponema denticola and Tannerella forsythia associated with bleeding on probing; Prevotella intermedia associated with suppuration and smoking.

Conclusions:

• Clinical indicators like bleeding on probing, suppuration, and smoking are linked to specific periodontal pathogens.
• Probing depth significantly influences the presence and load of periodontal bacteria, particularly the Red Complex.
• Treponema denticola, Tannerella forsythia, and Prevotella intermedia may serve as valuable indicators for monitoring periodontitis progression.