Occurrence of periodontal pathogens among patients with chronic periodontitis

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the presence of the periodontal pathogens that form the red complex (Tannerella forsythia, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Treponema denticola) and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in patients with chronic periodontitis. The sample consisted of 29 patients with a clinical and radiographic diagnosis of chronic periodontitis based on the criteria of the American Academy of Periodontology (3). Samples for microbiological analysis were collected from the four sites of greatest probing depth in each patient, totaling 116 samples. These samples were processed using conventional polymerase chain reaction, which achieved the following positive results: 46.6% for P. gingivalis, 41.4% for T. forsythia, 33.6% for T. denticola and 27.6% for A. actinomycetemcomitans. P. gingivalis and T. forsythia were more prevalent (p < 0.05) in periodontal pockets &#8805; 8 mm. The combinations T. forsythia + P. gingivalis (23.2%) and T. forsythia + P. gingivalis + T. denticola (20.0%) were more frequent in sites with a probing depth &#8805; 8 mm. Associations with the simultaneous presence of A. actinomycetemcomitans + P. gingivalis, A. actinomycetemcomitans + T. forsythia, P. gingivalis + T. forsythia and T. forsythia + T. denticola were statistically significant (p < 0.05). It was concluded that the red complex pathogens are related to chronic periodontitis, presenting a higher occurrence in deep periodontal pockets. Moreover, the simultaneous presence of these bacteria in deep sites suggests a symbiotic relationship between these virulent species, favoring, in this way, a further progression of periodontal disease

O risco espacial e fatores associados ao edentulismo em idosos em município do Sudeste do Brasil Spatial risk and factors associated with edentulism among elderly persons in Southeast Brazil

Objetivou-se identificar fatores associados ao edentulismo e o seu risco espacial em idosos. Foi realizado um estudo transversal em uma amostra de 372 indivíduos de 60 anos e mais, no Município de Botucatu, São Paulo, Brasil, em 2005. Razões de prevalência brutas e ajustadas foram estimadas por meio de regressão de Poisson, com estimativa robusta da variância e procedimentos de modelagem hierárquica. A análise espacial foi realizada por estimativas de densidade de Kernel. A prevalência de edentulismo foi de 63,17%. Os fatores sociodemográficos associados ao edentulismo foram a baixa escolaridade, o aumento do número de pessoas por cômodo, não possuir automóvel e idade mais avançada, presença de comorbidades, ausência de um cirurgião-dentista regular e ter realizado a última consulta há três anos ou mais. A análise espacial mostrou maior risco nas áreas periféricas. Obteve-se uma melhor compreensão da perda dentária entre os idosos, subsidiando o planejamento de ações em saúde coletiva.<br>This study aimed to identify factors associated with edentulism and spatial risk of tooth loss in the elderly. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a random sample (n = 372) of individuals 60 years and older in Botucatu, São Paulo State, Southeast Brazil, in 2005. Crude and adjusted prevalence ratios were estimated by Poisson regression with robust variance. Spatial analysis was performed using Kernel intensity estimation. Prevalence of edentulism was 63.17%. Socio-demographic factors associated with edentulism according to multiple regression were low schooling, household crowding, not owning a car, older age, lack of a regular dentist, and the last dental visit three previously or longer. Spatial analysis showed greater risk of edentulism in the peripheral areas of the city. The results help understand the high prevalence of tooth loss among the elderly, thus providing essential information for planning oral health interventions