Virulence Factors of the Oral Spirochete Treponema denticola

Abstract

There is compelling evidence that treponemes are involved in the etiology of several chronic diseases, including chronic periodontitis as well as other forms of periodontal disease. There are interesting parallels with other chronic diseases caused by treponemes that may indicate similar virulence characteristics. Chronic periodontitis is a polymicrobial disease, and recent animal studies indicate that co-infection of Treponema denticola with other periodontal pathogens can enhance alveolar bone resorption. The bacterium has a suite of molecular determinants that could enable it to cause tissue damage and subvert the host immune response. In addition to this, it has several non-classic virulence determinants that enable it to interact with other pathogenic bacteria and the host in ways that are likely to promote disease progression. Recent advances, especially in molecular-based methodologies, have greatly improved our knowledge of this bacterium and its role in disease.

Treponema denticola in microflora of bovine periodontitis

“…Among virulence factors of Treponema species, which can play an important role in periodontitis, are motility, chemotaxis, adhesion to fibroblasts and epithelial cells of various origins and to erythrocytes, cytotoxicity, iron acquisition, chymotrypsin-like protease activity, hemolytic activity, immunomodulation, phospholipase C, toxic metabolites, antibiotic resistance and plasmid profile (Fenno & McBride 1998, Dashper et al 2011. In vitro studies also suggest the combined effects of motility and proteolytic activity of T. denticola to penetrate basal membrane.…”

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). …”

Impact of Dental Plaque Biofilms in Periodontal Disease: Management and Future Therapy

“…Several species, in the subgingival plaque constitution, produce volatile fatty acids (butyrate, propionate, and isobutirat) and peptide N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine, as sulfide ions, hydrogen sulfide, and methyl mercaptan with cytotoxic effect on endothelial cells and gingival fibroblasts [97,98].…”