ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Different diagnostic screening tests have been developed to detect periodontal disease in the early stages. Despite these advances still, there is a need for a more practical and beneficial diagnostic test. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of developing such a kit based on the body immune response against Porphyromonas gingivalis. METHOD AND MATERIALS: This experimental study was conducted by culturing P. gingivalis and extracting its antigens. These antigens were injected into peritoneal cavity of four Balb/c mice. Finally, the pattern, type, and quantity of antibody response against P. gingivalis antigen were detected. Results of the study showed that 3.0 × 108 cells of P. gingivalis are an appropriate count for stimulating the immunization in Balb/c mice and the subsequent amount of antibody (IgG) production was 81.5 µg/ml. RESULT: The antigenic injections which were done in the current study could mimic the condition of periodontal disease and the raise of P. gingivalis in the body. CONCLUSION: The obtained data can be used in future attempts to develop practical and usable test kits against P. gingivalis.
Subject(s)
Antibodies, Bacterial/immunology , Periodontal Diseases/diagnosis , Periodontal Diseases/immunology , Porphyromonas gingivalis/immunology , Animals , Male , Mice , Mice, Inbred BALB CABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Periodontal disease is considered as a risk factor for poor pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth and low birth weight. Only few studies have assessed the knowledge and practice behaviours of healthcare providers, concerning oral health during pregnancy, periodontal diseases and their role in adverse pregnancy outcomes. The present study aimed to compare the knowledge and practice behaviours of a group of Iranian obstetricians, general practitioners, and midwives about periodontal disease. DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered, structured questionnaire that was previously used in North Carolina. The questionnaire was translated into Persian language and was randomly distributed among 200 obstetricians, general practitioners, and midwives participating in an international congress. Data were analysed by Chi-square and spearman correlation tests using SPSS statistical software (version PASW 18). RESULTS: A total of 150 completed the questionnaires, achieving a response rate of 75%. Totally, the knowledge of the obstetricians was more accurate compared to the two other groups and the midwives were the worst. More experienced general practitioners (P=0.002) and obstetricians (P=0.049) did less dental examinations for their patients during their first visit or periodically. More experienced obstetricians also referred their patients for dental examinations during pregnancy less than their less experienced colleagues (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Although the participants had some knowledge about periodontal disease and its association with adverse pregnancy outcomes, there is much space for improvements. The participants' attitude and knowledge were consistent. Significance for public healthPreterm labour and low birth weight are considered to be one of the greatest problems in obstetrical medicine and are one of the most prevalent risk factors for death during the neonatal period. On the other hand, periodontal diseases are considered as important factors affecting pregnant women and their new-born children. Therefore it seems quite important to find out whether the healthcare providers who are most visited by pregnant women are aware of the periodontal disease and its relationship with poor pregnancy outcomes. The present study aimed to assess and compare the knowledge and beliefs of a group of Iranian obstetricians, general practitioners, and midwives regarding periodontal disease, and to assess whether their practice behaviours reflected their beliefs. The authors hope that publication of this paper would provide an evidence to plan for these health professionals' education on the importance of pregnant women's oral health promotion.
