Background and Objectives Our previous study showed protease inhibitors were attenuated by periopathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis in cultured gingival epithelial cells. We hypothesize fewer protease inhibitors would be present in more advanced periodontal sites where the level of P. gingivalis may be high. The goal of this study was to investigate the relationship between the protease inhibitor (SLPI, ELAFIN, SCCA) levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and the number of P. gingivalis in subgingival plaque. Materials and Methods Plaque samples from subjects without (n=18) and with moderate to advanced periodontitis (n=41) were used to quantify P. gingivalis using real-time PCR. Protease inhibitor levels in the GCF of all the subjects were determined by ELISA. Results P. gingivalis was detected in 68.3% of subjects with periodontitis, while 16.7% of patients without periodontitis had detectable level of P. gingivalis. Subjects with periodontitis and P. gingivalis in their plaque exhibited lower SLPI and ELAFIN levels (p<0.001) compare to control subjects without periodontitis. SLPI was also reduced (p<0.05) in GCF of periodontal patients without detectable level of P. gingivalis. Periodontal patients with high vs. low levels of P. gingivalis exhibited reciprocal mean levels of SLPI and ELAFIN concentrations. Conclusion The reduced concentrations of SLPI and ELAFIN may contribute to the loss of host protective capacity and increase susceptibility to breakdown from chronic infection. The work of this investigation may aid in finding diagnostic and prognostic markers in periodontal health and disease and may further help in finding pharmacological targets directed against periodontal inflammation.
Diarrhea is the leading cause of mortality in beef and dairy calves during the first week of life and results in substantial financial loss [1]. Diarrhea is a multifactorial disease and can be infectious or non-infectious. However, in the majority of calves, infectious organisms, especially Cryptosporidium parvum, rotavirus, coronavirus, and E. coli, are the primary cause [2]. The aim of this study was to generate a decision tree, based on prevalence, diagnostic testing and treatment and to estimate associated costs or risk. For each of the four main pathogens, two principal approaches are outlined and compared. The first approach relies on a detailed diagnostic workup and allows for specific etiological treatment. The second approach relies on the trial-and-error method, which involves the use of a first-choice antibiotic, followed by a second-and third-choice antibiotic if the previous ones failed to resolve the disease. In Switzerland, the prevalence of diarrheic calves infected with E. coli is approximately 1% suggesting that the use of antimicrobials for the treatment of scouring calves, in the absence of a diagnostic workup, is not always justified. However, for all four major pathogens, the trial-and-error method affords cheaper treatment compared with treatment based on an etiological diagnosis. This creates a quandary in view of the current worldwide efforts to reduce the use of antibiotics in animal agriculture.
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