A new report shows that the bacteria that causes gum disease manipulates the immune system to hinder normal processes that would usually eliminate bacteria.
The information appears in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology. The study details the way in which the bacteria, Porphyromonas gingivalis, thrives when it would otherwise be destroyed. T-cells generally protect the host from microbial infection but this bacteria finds a way around that.
Ideally, this information will play a role in thwarting chronic infection that results from gingivitis.
To compile the data, researchers used mice cells that were exposed to this type of bacteria. The information indicated that the bacteria does its damage when first exposed to the pathogen. That’s why it’s essential for gingivitis treatment to start as early as possible. This way, the chances for a chronic infection decrease.
Specially designed therapeutics or some type of vaccine would be the only way to turn back the bacteria once it spreads.
Researchers conducted the study because gum diseases are difficult treat and harder to get rid of then many other diseases. This study made it clear why that is the case when compared to other infections that may be easier to treat.
