Inhibitory effects of azithromycin on the adherence ability of Porphyromonas gingivalis

Abstract

Background Porphyromonas gingivalis is a major pathogen and has a high detection rate in periodontal disease. Fimbriae and hemagglutinin are expressed by P. gingivalis, and these play an important role in the adherence of the bacteria to periodontal tissue and biofilm formation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of sub‐minimal inhibitory concentrations (sub‐MICs) of azithromycin on the adherence of P. gingivalis, focusing on the inhibition of fimbriae expression and hemagglutinin activity. Methods P. gingivalis ATCC 33277 were incubated anaerobically with sub‐MICs of azithromycin at 37°C by gentle shaking for 18 hours. The bacterial cells were harvested, washed twice with phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS), and the proteins analyzed by 12% sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) and western blotting. Adherence assay and hemagglutinin activity tests were done with the same culture. Results The results of SDS‐PAGE indicated that the sub‐MICs of azithromycin inhibited 41‐kDa fimbrial protein expression and hemagglutinin activities. The disappearance of 41‐kDa fimbrial protein expression and long fimbriae in 0.4 µg/mL, 0.2 µg/mL, and 0.1 µg/mL of azithromycin was confirmed by western blotting and transmission electron microscopy. The adherence of P. gingivalis to human gingival epithelial cells was reduced by sub‐MICs of azithromycin compared with the adherence levels without antibiotic. Conclusions These results suggest that sub‐MICs of azithromycin may reduce the adherence of P. gingivalis to host cells, by inhibiting production of fimbriae and hemagglutinin activities. Therefore, azithromycin can be used as a biofilm treatment of periodontal disease caused by P. gingivalis.

Medication considerations including safety and its principles in geriatric dentistry

“…In addition, this drug is contraindicated in cirrhotic patients and patients with a history of ulcerative and pseudomembranous colitis [108]. Azithromycin shows potent inhibition against Porphyromonas gingivalis [109]. Injecting 0.5% azithromycin gel into periodontal pockets improves the patient's clinical condition [110].…”

High Risk COVID-19: Potential Intervention at Multiple Points in the COVID-19 Disease Process Via Prophylactic Treatment with Azithromycin or Bee Derived Products

“…Periodontitis caused by P. gingivalis has been shown to respond to treatment by both azithromycin and bee venom [22][23][24][25], suggesting a prophylactic role for azithromycin, compounds derived from bee venom, or both, in suppression of P. gingivalis in patients at high risk for severe COVID-19 infection. Azithromycin is bactericidal for P. gingivalis; it reduces P. gingivalis biofilms in vivo, and it has been shown to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine production induced by P. gingivalis LPS.…”

Antibiotics in Dentistry: A Narrative Review of Literature and Guidelines Considering Antibiotic Resistance

“…In this case, it is used systemically in order to reduce the concentration of periodontal bacteria. It has shown effective inhibitory effects on Porphyromonas gingivalis ATCC33277, so it can be used as a biofilm treatment used for porphyromonas gingivalis [61]. The same drug can have a positive effect on the treatment of chronic periodontitis in type II diabetes patients.…”