The Detection of Porphyromonas Gingivalis in Geriatrics and Its Associated Periodontal and Clinical Factors

BACKGROUND: Porphyromonas gingivalis is one of the important pathogens in the initiation and progression of periodontitis. The findings regarding the bacterium and periodontal status in geriatric subjects are not widely reported. Bacterial analysis is needed to provide more insight regarding the severity of the disease. This study evaluated the presence of P. gingivalis in the oral cavity of geriatric patients and found a significant association between P. gingivalis infection and medical illness.

METHODS: Periodontal pocket samples were obtained from 32 geriatrics who were chosen randomly from health clinics. Clinical periodontal parameters were recorded during the oral examination. Samples were subjected to DNA extraction and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. The identification of P. gingivalis by PCR assay was determined based on the P. gingivalis 16S rRNA subunit amplification. Medical illnesses of patients were recorded. Mild cognitive impairment was diagnosed according to cognitive score assessment and daily function.

RESULTS: Approximately 90.63% (n=29) of geriatric patients had periodontitis. The presence of P. gingivalis was significantly associated with periodontal depth and clinical attachment loss (p = 0.037). The extension of periodontal disease, cognitive impairment status, and diabetes status are highly associated with P. gingivalis. Conclusion: Due to asymptomatic periodontal disease in the early phase, early screening of bacterial detection and oral public health awareness is crucial, especially among elderly groups who are smokers and diabetics. P. gingivalis infection is associated with worsening geriatric periodontitis. Adequate oral care and comorbidity control among geriatrics are indeed crucial to preventing disease progression. It is important to improve and modify the local diabetic checklist protocol for geriatric diabetic patients by incorporating oral health and oral microbiome assessments, as well as cognitive assessments.