Comparison of Porphyromonas gingivalis count and salivary immunoglobulin A against lipopolysaccharide of Porphyromonas gingivalis in periodontal health and disease

Abstract

Background: Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) have been implicated to play a role in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. Aim: The aim of this study was to compare P. gingivalis in subgingival plaque samples and salivary (immunoglobulin A [IgA]) antibodies against lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of P. gingivalis in periodontal health and disease. Materials and Methods: Totally sixty subjects were included, thirty subjects in healthy group and thirty subjects in chronic periodontitis group. Subgingival plaque and unstimulated saliva samples were obtained from each study subject. P. gingivalis (colony-forming units [CFUs]) were detected using culture method, and salivary IgA levels were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Comparisons between the healthy and chronic periodontitis groups were done for P. gingivalis CFUs/ml (CFUs/milliliter) as well as for salivary IgA levels using Mann–Whitney U-test. Correlation between CFUs/ml of P. gingivalis and salivary IgA levels was also assessed in both the groups. Results: Although P. gingivalis CFUs/ml count was more in the chronic periodontitis group, difference was not statistically significant. Salivary IgA levels were significantly higher in the chronic periodontitis group compared to the healthy group. No correlation was observed between CFUs/ml of P. gingivalis and salivary IgA levels in the healthy group as well as the chronic periodontitis group. Conclusions: Increased levels of specific salivary antibodies (IgA) against LPS from P. gingivalis are associated with periodontal disease. Salivary IgA level against LPS from P. gingivalis can be a promising indicator in the serological diagnosis of periodontal disease.

Keywords

• colony-forming units/milliliter
• lipopolysaccharide
• periodontal disease
• porphyromonas gingivalis
• salivary immunoglobulin a