Pietiainen M, et al. - Authors probed the relationship between the Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans serotypes, periodontal status and coronary artery disease (CAD). Findings suggested that Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans serotypes “b” and “c” were associated with both periodontal and CAD status. There was a correlation between the detectable serotypes and the quantity and serology of the bacterium, emphasizing both local and systemic effect of the A. actinomycetemcomitans serotypes.

Methods

• A total of 497 patients were included in the study population who underwent coronary angiography, and clinical oral examination.
• Experts designed the quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays to identify the serotypes from saliva samples.

Results

• Researchers noted the Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans serotype frequencies to be as follows: serotype “c” 35.7%, “b” 28.6%, “a” 26.2%, “e” 7.1%, “d” 2.4% and “f” 0%.
• Compared to the subjects with no serotype, those with a detectable serotype had less teeth and higher bleeding on probing.
• They noted an association of serotypes “b” and “c” with periodontal probing depths and periodontal inflammatory burden.
• Results demonstrated the saliva and subgingival bacterium quantities and serum antibody levels against A. Actinomycetemcomitans to be highest in patients harbouring serotype “c.”
• In patients with CAD (p=.040), serotypes “b” and “c” were seen to be most frequent (59.3%) , and they correlated with the risk of stable CAD with an odds ratio of 2.67 (95% confidence interval 1.06–7.44).
• Moreover, they found a relationship of the severity of CAD (p=.018) with serotypes “b” and “c.”