Tannerella forsythia

A bacterium associated with periodontal disease

Tannerella forsythia is a Gram-negative anaerobic bacterium that is implicated in periodontal disease. It is part of the red complex, a group of bacteria that are strongly associated with chronic periodontitis.

Morphology

Tannerella forsythia is a rod-shaped bacterium. It is non-motile and does not form spores. The cells are typically 0.5 to 0.7 micrometers in width and 2.5 to 3.5 micrometers in length. The bacterium has a characteristic S-layer on its surface, which is thought to play a role in its virulence.

Pathogenicity

Tannerella forsythia is considered a key pathogen in the development of periodontitis, a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and destroys the bone that supports the teeth. It is often found in association with other periodontal pathogens such as Porphyromonas gingivalis and Treponema denticola.

Virulence Factors

The virulence of Tannerella forsythia is attributed to several factors:

• S-layer: The surface layer (S-layer) of T. forsythia is involved in adhesion and immune evasion.
• Proteolytic enzymes: The bacterium produces enzymes that degrade host proteins, aiding in tissue destruction and immune evasion.
• Biofilm formation: T. forsythia can form biofilms, which protect the bacteria from the host immune response and increase resistance to antibiotics.

Clinical Significance

Tannerella forsythia is a significant contributor to periodontal disease, which can lead to tooth loss if untreated. It is also associated with systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus, due to the inflammatory response it triggers.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of infections involving Tannerella forsythia typically involves clinical examination and microbiological testing, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays to detect bacterial DNA. Treatment involves mechanical debridement of the periodontal pockets and the use of antibiotics such as metronidazole and amoxicillin.

Related pages

• Periodontal disease
• Porphyromonas gingivalis
• Treponema denticola
• Biofilm

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  Tannerella forsythia