Determination of serotype distribution of aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and its relationship to Herpes virus in patients with aggressive periodontitis

Abstract

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A. a) and its serotypes were commonly associated with Aggressive Periodontitis (AgP). Herpes virus along with A.a in sites of destruction, suggested that their co-occurence reduces the ability of macrophages to respond to bacteria and inhibits their phagocytic activity. JP2 clone is a highly leukotoxic strain of A.a, associated with Keywincreased progression of periodontal disease. The aim of the study was to determine the serotype distribution of A.a and its relationship to the presence of Herpes virus [Epstein Barr virus (EBV) and Cytomegalovirus (CMV)] in patients with AgP. The study included 20 patients with AgP and 20 periodontally healthy subjects. Subgingival plaque samples were collected from deepest pockets using Gracey curettes and transferred to transport media. The cDNA was extracted and analysed by PCR. Serotype d and JP2 were found to be significantly more prevalent among the participants and showed a positive correlation with increased PD and CAL, suggesting an association with the severity of AgP. Though CMV and EBV were also found to be associated with AgP, the results were insignificant. Females showed more association with disease severity than males, but the results were insignificant. There was a positive correlation between serotype d and JP2 with the periodontal status. CMV and EBV were also associated with the severity of AgP, but the results were insignificant. Further quantitative studies should prove the exact role of co- occurrence of serotypes with CMV and EBV and their effect on AgP.