Peri-implantitis biofilm from explanted implants in Korean patients: microbial and functional profiling

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Oral Health
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory condition around dental implants.
• Microbial biofilms are the primary cause, but research on explanted implant surfaces is limited.
• Previous studies focused on peri-implant pockets, not direct implant surface biofilms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare microbial composition and functional characteristics of biofilms from explanted implant surfaces in peri-implantitis cases versus healthy controls.
• To identify specific bacterial species and metabolic pathways associated with peri-implantitis.
• To contribute to a better understanding of peri-implantitis etiology.

Main Methods:

• Collected 41 samples (19 peri-implantitis, 22 healthy controls) from the Apple Tree Oral Biobank.
• Sequenced the V3-V4 region of 16S rRNA gene using Illumina MiSeq.
• Analyzed microbial diversity and predicted functional potential using DADA2, SILVA, and PICRUSt2.

Main Results:

• Peri-implantitis biofilms showed higher diversity and distinct clustering compared to healthy controls.
• Increased abundance of sulfate-reducing bacteria (e.g., Desulfobulbus) and emerging pathogens were observed in peri-implantitis.
• Decreased levels of health-associated bacteria and altered functional pathways (e.g., increased sulfur metabolism, decreased carbohydrate metabolism) were noted.

Conclusions:

• Explanted implant surface biofilms in peri-implantitis harbor diverse emerging pathogens, including sulfate-reducing bacteria.
• These findings enhance the understanding of peri-implantitis pathogenesis.
• Identified microbial profiles and functional pathways may serve as candidate biomarkers for peri-implantitis.