Porphyromonas gingivalis
Porphyromonas gingivalis
Porphyromonas gingivalis (pronunciation: por-fy-ro-mo-nas gin-gi-va-lis) is a species of Gram-negative bacteria that is often associated with periodontal disease, a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth.
Etymology
The name Porphyromonas gingivalis is derived from the Greek words porphyra, meaning purple, and monas, meaning unit. The term gingivalis is derived from the Latin word gingiva, meaning gum. This name reflects the bacterium's ability to produce a black pigment and its association with gum disease.
Characteristics
Porphyromonas gingivalis is a rod-shaped bacteria that is anaerobic, meaning it thrives in environments with little to no oxygen. It is also asaccharolytic, meaning it does not use sugars for energy, but instead relies on proteins and amino acids.
The bacterium is known for its virulence factors, which include fimbriae for attachment to host tissues, proteases for tissue destruction, and lipopolysaccharides for immune evasion.
Role in Disease
Porphyromonas gingivalis is a key pathogen in the development of periodontal disease. It can invade and survive within gingival epithelial cells, leading to chronic inflammation and eventual destruction of the gum tissue and underlying bone.
The bacterium has also been implicated in other systemic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and Alzheimer's disease, due to its ability to disseminate throughout the body via the bloodstream.
Treatment
Treatment for infections caused by Porphyromonas gingivalis typically involves antibiotics and oral hygiene practices to reduce the bacterial load in the mouth. In severe cases, periodontal surgery may be required.
Related Terms
- Periodontal disease
- Gram-negative bacteria
- Anaerobic bacteria
- Asaccharolytic bacteria
- Fimbriae
- Proteases
- Lipopolysaccharides
- Gingival epithelial cells
- Cardiovascular disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Alzheimer's disease
- Antibiotics
- Oral hygiene
- Periodontal surgery
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Porphyromonas gingivalis
- Wikipedia's article - Porphyromonas gingivalis
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