Quantification of Prophyromonas gingivalis In Subgingival Plaque Samples of Smokers and Non-smokers chronic periodontitis patients: A comparative Study

Abstract

Background: Porphyromonas gingivalis considered a true and a major periodontal pathogen. Periodontal diseases are complex, multifactorial, polymicrobial infections characterized by the destruction of tooth-supporting tissues. Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor of periodontal diseases. Aim: To detect, quantify and compare bacterial load of P. gingivalis using Real-time PCR in subgingival samples of chronic periodontitis patients between smokers and non-smokers. Methods: In the present study that held in 2008, Khartoum State, out-patient clinics of Khartoum Teaching Dental Hospital (KTDH) –Sudan, newly diagnosed chronic periodontitis patients were recruited randomly. For each subject clinical examination and subgingival plaque sample of 163 were obtained from mesial surface of molars in a selected posterior sextant (pocket depth ≥ 5 and bleeding on probing) and not used antibiotics in the past three months, were done. DNA extraction of Porphyromonas gingivalis and quantification with SYBR Green I assay real-time PCR technology was done. Result: Eighty nine were non-smokers while seventy four were smokers. The mean ± SD of plaque accumulate for smokers was 3.00± 0. 00 while the figure for non- smokers was 2.39± 0.49. The mean± SD of the pocket depth was 3.10± 0.90 for smokers while the figure for non-smokers was 1.54±0.60. The mean log-transformed of absolute counts of P. gingivalis in subgingival plaque samples from the smokers was 212.93 ± 424.05 CN/1000 copies0.60 while the figure for non-smokers was 37.30 ± 45.07CN/1000 copies and the highest mean of absolute counts of P. gingivalis in subgingival plaque samples from smokers was 217.15 ± 484. 23 CN/1000 copies in pocket depth 5mm (shallow pocket). Conclusion: Smokers show more plaque accumulation and more pocket depth than non-smokers. Tobacco smoking modifies subgingival microbiota particularly P.gingivalis in chronic periodontitis patients and the highest mean of bacterial load in shallow pocket (5 mm).