Estimation and Co-Relation of the Neutrophil Count and Neutrophil Chemotaxis in Patients With Gingivitis, Chronic Periodontitis, and Localized Aggressive Periodontitis Compared With Healthy Controls

Introduction: Neutrophils are the most plentiful WBCs found in human blood. They are the first cells to respond to wounds and foreign invaders in the human body. They help the body fight infections. The neutrophil count may be used to check for infections, inflammation, or any other underlying conditions. The lower the neutrophil count, the higher the infection risk. Chemotaxis is the ability of the body cells to move in a specific direction as a response to a chemical stimulus. Neutrophil chemotaxis, a feature of the innate immune response, is the directed migration of neutrophils from one site in the body to another to provide effector functions. The present study was aimed at estimating and co-relating the neutrophil count and neutrophil chemotaxis in patients who had gingivitis, chronic periodontitis, and localized aggressive periodontitis, and in healthy participants. Methods: Eighty participants (40 males and 40 females), aged 20-50 years, were included in the study and divided into four groups: Group I: control group with healthy periodontium; Group II: participants with gingivitis; Group III: participants with periodontitis; and Group IV: participants with localized aggressive periodontitis. Blood samples were collected for hematological analysis to evaluate the neutrophil counts and neutrophil chemotaxis. Results: The mean value of neutrophil count (%) was highest in Group IV (72.535) followed by Group III (71.29), Group II (62.13), and least in Group I (58.15). This difference is statistically significant (p < 0.001). On intergroup comparison, a statistically significant difference was noted between all the groups except between Group I and Group II, and between Group III and Group IV. The mean value of neutrophil count and neutrophil chemotaxis assay were found to be statistically significant in all four groups. Conclusion: This study shows a positive correlation between neutrophils and periodontal diseases which could be beneficial for further studies.