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Updated: Dec 11, 2025
Porphyromonas gingivalis as a Model Organism for Assessing Interaction of Anaerobic Bacteria with Host Cells
Published on: December 17, 2015
Genotyping of Porphyromonas gingivalis in Relationship to Virulence
Atsuo Amano1, Youn-Hee Choi2, Hiroki Takeuchi3
1Department of Preventive Dentistry, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan. amanoa@dent.osaka-u.ac.jp.
Abstract:
Porphyromonas gingivalis, a significant periodontal pathogen, is known to possess genetic variations in relation to its virulence. Furthermore, fimbriae encoded by the fimA gene are involved in bacterial adherence to and invasion of host cells, and a known virulence factor of the bacterium. The fimA gene is classified into six variants (types I-V and Ib) and has been shown to be related to microbial virulence. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay results are helpful to differentiate the genotypes, with fimA type-specific primer sets used for that have been developed by several researchers. Although room for improvement remains, fimA genotyping is expected to become a useful technique for periodontal examinations and diagnosis. In this chapter, currently available PCR methods to classify fimA genotypic variations of P. gingivalis are described.
Insights
Genetic variations in Porphyromonas gingivalis, a periodontal pathogen, influence virulence. The fimA gene
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Periodontology
Background:
- Porphyromonas gingivalis is a key periodontal pathogen linked to gum disease.
- Bacterial fimbriae, encoded by the fimA gene, are crucial for host cell adherence and invasion, acting as virulence factors.
- The fimA gene exhibits genetic variations, classified into six types (I-V and Ib), which correlate with P. gingivalis virulence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) methods for classifying fimA genotypic variations in P. gingivalis.
- To highlight the significance of fimA genotyping for understanding P. gingivalis virulence.
Main Methods:
- Utilizes Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assays.
- Employs fimA type-specific primer sets developed by various researchers to differentiate genotypes.
- Describes currently available PCR-based methods for P. gingivalis fimA genotyping.
Main Results:
- fimA genotyping effectively differentiates P. gingivalis strains based on genetic variations.
- Specific primer sets enable the classification of fimA variants (types I-V and Ib).
Conclusions:
- fimA genotyping is a valuable tool for differentiating P. gingivalis virulence.
- fimA genotyping shows promise as a diagnostic technique in periodontal examinations.
- Further refinement of PCR methods can enhance its utility in clinical settings.
