Local and Systemic Effects of Porphyromonas gingivalis Infection

Abstract

Porphyromonas gingivalis, a gram-negative anaerobe, is a leading etiological agent in periodontitis. This infectious pathogen can induce a dysbiotic, proinflammatory state within the oral cavity by disrupting commensal interactions between the host and oral microbiota. It is advantageous for P. gingivalis to avoid complete host immunosuppression, as inflammation-induced tissue damage provides essential nutrients necessary for robust bacterial proliferation. In this context, P. gingivalis can gain access to the systemic circulation, where it can promote a prothrombotic state. P. gingivalis expresses a number of virulence factors, which aid this pathogen toward infection of a variety of host cells, evasion of detection by the host immune system, subversion of the host immune responses, and activation of several humoral and cellular hemostatic factors.

Matrix Metalloproteinases in the Periodontium—Vital in Tissue Turnover and Unfortunate in Periodontitis

“…E-cadherin and the BM are substrates for host proteases (like MMPs) and bacterial proteases, and the following disintegration of epithelial cell–cell connections and the BM enables bacterial invasion into the underlying tissue, initiating and preserving inflammation. The initiation of periodontal disease is attributed to cleavage within the second or third cell layer directly attached to tooth cells in the coronal-most portion of the JE facing biofilms [ 251 , 252 ]. Following cleavage, the secretion of cytokines and chemokines causes the accumulation of PMNs in the JE, which results in disruption of the epithelium by neutrophil proteases (e.g., cathepsin G, neutrophil elastase, and MMPs) [ 251 ].…”

Oral and rectal colonization of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus in long‐term care facility residents and their association with clinical status

“…In addition, it has been reported that oral bacteria sometimes cause bacteremia by tooth extraction or periodontitis, affecting various systemic diseases, such as endocarditis, diabetes, arteriosclerosis, and so on. [8][9][10] Hence, ARB in the oral cavity may also be a cause of bacteremia. Therefore, we need to pay more attention to ARB in the oral cavity not only for infection control but also for prevention of systemic disease.…”

“…ARB in the oral cavity are considered to spread the infection to other sites in individuals and to others through conversing, coughing, and eating. In addition, it has been reported that oral bacteria sometimes cause bacteremia by tooth extraction or periodontitis, affecting various systemic diseases, such as endocarditis, diabetes, arteriosclerosis, and so on 8–10 . Hence, ARB in the oral cavity may also be a cause of bacteremia.…”

Effects of Periodontitis on Major Organ Systems

“…A powerful periodontal bacteria called P. gingivalis can enter the bloodstream and cause a prothrombotic condition. P. gingivalis expresses a large number of virulence factors that help the organism to infect a range of host systems and cells, avoid spotting by the host immune system, trick the host immune system into producing the wrong antibodies, and activate several humoral and cellular hemostatic mechanisms [ 8 ].…”