The Submucosal Microbiome Correlates with Peri-implantitis Severity.

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Periodontology
• Genomics

Background:

• Peri-implantitis is a growing concern, characterized by inflammation around implants.
• Submucosal biofilms are a primary cause, influencing disease severity and progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the microbiome's composition and function in relation to peri-implantitis severity.
• To identify microbial and metabolic markers associated with disease progression.

Main Methods:

• Collected submucosal biofilm samples from 49 peri-implantitis cases.
• Utilized 16S rRNA gene sequencing for microbial composition and metatranscriptomics for function.
• Employed PICRUSt2 for metabolic pathway prediction.

Main Results:

• Specific genera (e.g., *Pseudoramibacter*) correlated positively with peri-implantitis severity (probing depth).
• Metabolic pathways like glycolysis and TCA cycle negatively correlated with probing depth.
• Developed a quantitative microbial dysbiosis index strongly correlated with probing depth.

Conclusions:

• Peri-implantitis severity is associated with distinct microbial and functional shifts.
• Identified microbiome signatures can improve peri-implantitis diagnostics and stratification.
• Findings support targeted interventions based on microbiome analysis.