Detection and Localization of Periodontopathic Bacteria in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

AbstractObjectivesWe examined a possible link between periodontal disease and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) by studying resected aneurysmal specimens from AAA patients for the presence of periodontitopathic bacteria.DesignProspective case control study.Material and methodsThirty-two AAA patients were enrolled in the study. Periodontitis was classified according to the probing depth of preriodontal pocket. Thirty-two aneurysmal walls, 16 mural thrombi, 5 atherosclerotic occlusive aorta and 5 control arterial tissue, were examined for 7 periodontal bacteria using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. The localization of the bacteria in the aneurysmal/atherosclerotic wall was determined by thromboendarterectomy.ResultsAll patients had periodontal disease, and most cases were severe. PCR examination of the aneurysmal specimens showed that 86% were positive for periodontal bacterial DNA. No bacteria were detected in the control specimens. The bacteria were found in both the intimal/medial layer and the adventitial layer of the aneurysmal wall but only in intimal/medial layer of the atherosclerotic occlusive aorta.ConclusionPeriodontopathic bacteria were present in a high percentage of specimens of diseased arteries from AAA patients and were found throughout the whole aneurysmal wall. These bacteria may play a role in the development of AAAs and/or contribute to weakening the aneurysmal wall