The Relationship between Porphyromonas gingivalis and Rheumatoid Arthritis: a Cross-Sectional Clinical, Microbiological, and Molecular Approach

Abstract

<strong>Background:</strong> The relationship between rheumatoid arthritis and poor oral hygiene has longbeen proven. Colonization of <em>Porphyromonas gingivalis</em> in the oral cavity can play an important role in rheumatoid arthritis. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a relationship between rheumatoid arthritis disease and the presence of P. <em>gingivalis</em>. <strong>Methods:</strong>sixty patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 75 controls with matched age, sex and smoking and oral health status were selected. Provided samples from dental plaque were assessed for the presence of P. <em>gingivalis</em> by using bacterial culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). <strong>Results:</strong>Results of bacterial culture and PCR showed no significant difference between rheumatoid arthritis patients and control group in terms of the presence of P. <em>gingivalis </em>(P = 0.9 and P = 0.1, respectively). There was also no relationship between the number of bacterial copies and the activities of rheumatoid arthritis. <strong>Conclusion:</strong>Findings showed that there was no significant relationship between the presence of P. <em>gingivalis</em> in dental plaque and rheumatoid arthritis.