Bacterial flora of periodontium in patients with coronary heart disease

Objectives: A number of authors point to the existence of various bacterial species in atheromatous plaque and in inflammatory periodontium. To date, the presence of bacteria in normal aortal wall has not been confirmed. What's more, no corresponding bacterial flora co-existing in the three localisations discussed have, so far, been described. The work was aimed at demonstrating the alleged concomitance of corresponding bacterial flora of inflammatory periodontal tissues and of atheromatous plaque with the adjacent aortal wall in the same patient. Methods: Fifteen patients, aged 42-78, 9 males and 6 females, were qualified for a bypass surgery, combined with aortic valve replacement, in one of the University hospitals. The frequency and advance of periodontal lesions as well as the depth of periodontal pockets were established during the preoperative examination. Specimens of periodontopathic changes as well as atheromatous plaques and arterial wall were cultured and tested accordingly. Some bacterial species were tested using the PCR method. Swabs from periodontal pockets were tested using immunofluorescent method. The control group comprised accident fatalities, destined for organ transplants. Results: No corresponding bacterial flora were found in the 3 localisations studied, aside from Chlamydia pneumoniae, in the same patient. The latter species co-occurred in 14, out of the 15 patients examined. Conclusion: Only certain bacterial species appear to contribute to the development of atheromatous plaque. Chlamydia pneumoniae may be included in this group.