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Age and prevalence of Porphyromonas gingivalis in children
D L McClellan1, A L Griffen, E J Leys
1Department of Pediatric Dentistry, College of Dentistry, Ohio State University, Columbus 43212-1241, USA.
Insights
Porphyromonas gingivalis, a key periodontal pathogen, is frequently detected in children. This oral bacteria may be acquired very early in life, even within the first days after birth.
Area of Science:
- Oral microbiology
- Pediatric health
- Infectious disease transmission
Background:
- Porphyromonas gingivalis is a primary pathogen linked to severe periodontitis.
- Understanding the acquisition patterns of P. gingivalis is crucial for early intervention strategies.
- Limited data exists on the prevalence and acquisition of P. gingivalis in pediatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and acquisition patterns of Porphyromonas gingivalis in children.
- To determine the age at which P. gingivalis acquisition occurs.
- To assess the potential for early-life acquisition of this oral bacterium.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 198 subjects aged 0 to 18 years.
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assays were utilized to detect P. gingivalis.
- Oral cavity samples were collected for microbial analysis.
Main Results:
- Porphyromonas gingivalis was detected in 37% of the pediatric subjects studied.
- The prevalence of P. gingivalis was consistent across all age groups examined.
- No significant difference in detection frequency was observed based on age.
Conclusions:
- Porphyromonas gingivalis is commonly found in the oral cavities of children.
- The data suggest that P. gingivalis can be acquired very early in life, potentially within the first days of birth.
- Early acquisition highlights the importance of understanding transmission routes in infants and young children.
Abstract:
The acquisition of Porphyromonas gingivalis was examined in a cross-sectional study of 198 subjects from 0 to 18 years of age using a PCR-based assay. P. gingivalis was detected in the oral cavities of 37% of subjects and at similar frequencies among subjects of all ages. These data indicate that P. gingivalis may be acquired in the first days of life.