Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans: A scoping review

Abstract

Introduction: Periodontal pathogens, such as Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans are involved in the etiology and pathophysiology of many neurodegenerative diseases and neuropsychiatric disorders, as well as in systemic diseases and cardiovascular diseases, as they generate in the immune system a dysregulation. Objective: To analyze the literature on A. actinomycetemcomitans, with a focus on the dental field, analyzing its epidemiology, diagnostic methods, treatments and oral manifestations. Methodology: Information from articles published in PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar was analyzed with emphasis on the last 5 years. It was performed with the words ""Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans", "periodontal disease", "epidemiology", "oral manifestations", "diagnosis", "treatment". Results: A. actinomycetemcomitans is found approximately 90% in cases of aggressive periodontitis, and 21% in patients with chronic periodontitis. The common diagnostic method for periodontopathogenic bacteria is by quantitative PCR. Treatment is based on a combination of mechanical and antibiotic therapy for best results. Clinical evaluation shows clinical attachment loss, severe bone destruction at an early age with rapid progression, causing mobility and tooth loss. Conclusions: The presence of this pathogen generates an environment that requires mechanical, chemical and antimicrobial procedures for its long-term control, so a timely diagnosis leads to the early establishment of therapies for the management of the infection.