Porphyromonas gingivalis: An Overview of Periodontopathic Pathogen below the Gum Line

Abstract

Periodontal disease represents a group of oral inflammatory infections initiated by oral pathogens which exist as a complex biofilms on the tooth surface and cause destruction to tooth supporting tissues. The severity of this disease ranges from mild and reversible inflammation of the gingiva (gingivitis) to chronic destruction of connective tissues, the formation of periodontal pocket and ultimately result in loss of teeth. While human subgingival plaque harbors more than 500 bacterial species, considerable research has shown that Porphyromonas gingivalis, a Gram-negative anaerobic bacterium, is the major etiologic agent which contributes to chronic periodontitis. This black-pigmented bacterium produces a myriad of virulence factors that cause destruction to periodontal tissues either directly or indirectly by modulating the host inflammatory response. Here, this review provides an overview of P. gingivalis and how its virulence factors contribute to the pathogenesis with other microbiome consortium in oral cavity.

Gene Regulation, Two Component Regulatory Systems, and Adaptive Responses in Treponema Denticola

“…Consistent with this T. denticola has also been designated as a keystone pathogen. Excellent reviews, too many to list here, are available detailing the roles that P. gingivalis, T. denticola and other bacteria play in periodontal disease (Darveau 2010;Dashper et al 2010;How et al 2016;McDowell et al 2012;Mysak et al 2014;Podzimek et al 2015;Sharma 2010). …”

Importance of heterogeneity in Porhyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide lipid A in tissue specific inflammatory signalling

“…It has a plethora of virulence factors [2] of which lipopolysaccharide (LPS), gingipains, fimbriae, hemagglutinins, and outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are of major importance. LPS is located in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria and is a potent stimulator of host’s innate immune signal transduction pathways in a tissue/cell-specific manner [3].…”

Relationship between serine dipeptide lipids of commensal Bacteroidetes and atherosclerosis

“…Although the study by Nemati et al [11] has brought up new and interesting thoughts on the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, other surface molecules of these bacteria may also influence this condition [23]. It should also be kept in mind that much of the pathogenicity of P. gingivalis is surprisingly related to its overall immunosuppression of the host [24].…”