Molecular analysis shows the presence of periodontal bacterial DNA in atherosclerotic plaques from patients with coronary artery disease

Links between periodontitis and atherosclerosis can be predicted based on inflammatory mechanisms initiated by bacteria associated with periodontal lesions, which then influence the initiation or propagation of the atherosclerotic lesion. This study aimed to detect the presence of three periodontal pathogens, in atheromatous plaques of patients with coronary artery disease. Subgingival and atherosclerotic plaque samples were obtained from 80 patients scheduled for CABG or angioplasty. A nested PCR was done for the detection of the pathogens in the plaque samples. Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tanarella forsythia, and Treponema denticola were detected in 10%, 12.5%, and 1.3% of the atherosclerotic plaque samples respectively. It was also observed that patients whose atherosclerotic plaques tested positive for one or more of the pathogens had chronic periodontitis.