Immune responses to anaerobic gram‐negative bacteria in health and disease

Abstract

In the serum of healthy and sick persons antibodies to Bacteroidaceae and Veillonella have been detected. The antibody titres to these anaerobic bacteria are commonly low, in adults, however, higher than in children. High antibody titres could be found in patients suffering from Crohn's disease and in cancer patients. Immune responses to anaerobic bacteria occur in periodontal processes, too. These antibodies belong mainly to the IgM class of immunoglobulins. On the contrary, antibodies observed in patients with sepsis belong to the IgG class.

The effects of periodontal therapy on serum antibody (IgG) levels to plaque microorganisms*

“…While its actual role in the disease is still unclear, the host response provides a sensitive indicator of the flora that inhabils the oral cavity, especially the microorganisms that reside in the gingivai sulcus (Tew et al 1985a, b, Vandesteen et al 1984 Research, ams et al 1985). Recently, cross-sectional studies have indicated that levels of certain microbial species are elevated during certain stages of CIPD and that [he titers of serum and gingivai crevicular fluid antibodies to these microbes are also elevated (Ebersole et al 1986. Hofstad 1984, Naito et al 1985, Tew et al 1985a.…”