Assessment of correlation of COVID-19 infection and periodontitis- A comparative study

BACKGROUND: Periodontal disease constitutes a group of diseases involving inflammatory aspects of the host caused by several microbial agents that affect periodontal tissues and could have systemic implications. OBJECTIVE: The present study was conducted to assess the correlation of COVID-19 infection and severity of periodontitis in subjects who has mild form of the disease as compared to subjects having moderate form of the disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 116 subjects suffering from COVID-19 that were equally divided into two groups, each based on a convenient sampling methodology. Group I had a moderate form of COVID that required hospitalization and Group II had a mild form of COVID and were treated at home. The stage of periodontal disease was assessed in both groups. Also, laboratory parameters such as level of C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell (WBC), D-dimer, vitamin D, and lymphocytes were also assessed. Statistical analysis was done using Chi-square and multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: More than 75% of subjects in both groups were non-smokers. Subjects having more than one comorbid condition were more in number in Group I (51.7%) as compared to Group II (24%). Severe periodontitis (stages 2–4) was found in 81% of subjects in Group I and 46.2% of subjects in Group II [Figure 1]. The odds of getting severe periodontal disease were 6.32 times more in subjects belonging to Group I as compared to Group II. Subjects having more than one comorbid condition were 4.43 times at risk of severe periodontitis as compared to subjects with no co-morbidity CONCLUSION: Severe form of periodontal disease was associated with moderate-to-severe COVID-19 infection and levels of lymphocytes, WBCs, and CRP were elevated in subjects belonging to Group I.