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Prevalence of Subgingival Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans: Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study
Nabil Khzam1,2, Omar Kujan1, Dorte Haubek3
1UWA Dental School, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia.
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 26, 2024
Summary
This study found Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in 17.3% of periodontitis patients. Poor oral hygiene, family history, and infrequent dental visits are key risk factors for severe periodontitis.
Area of Science:
- Periodontology
- Microbiology
- Oral Health
Background:
- Periodontitis is a severe oral infection.
- Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is linked to periodontitis.
- Identifying risk factors for severe periodontitis is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in periodontitis patients.
- To identify risk indicators for severe periodontitis.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive cross-sectional study of 156 periodontitis patients.
- Quantitative polymerase chain reaction for A. actinomycetemcomitans detection.
- Statistical analysis including chi-square and logistic regression.
Main Results:
- Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans was present in 17.30% of participants.
- Severe periodontitis (stage IV) was associated with poor oral hygiene (p=0.006), dental attendance (p≤0.001), and family history (p=0.032).
- Stage III periodontitis was more prevalent in older men, while stage IV was more prevalent in younger women.
Conclusions:
- A. actinomycetemcomitans was detected in a significant portion of the study cohort.
- Poor oral hygiene, family history of periodontitis, and irregular dental visits are significant risk factors for severe periodontitis.
