Potential for Immunological and Microbiological Intervention against Porphyromonas gingivalis Infection

The presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis is strongly correlated with chronic periodontitis, an oral infection-driven inflammatory disease. Both bacterial virulence factors and host factors contribute to periodontal tissue destruction, including inflammatory resorption of alveolar bone which may lead to tooth loss. P. gingivalis can successfully colonize subgingival areas, induces inflammatory reactions by host immune cells, but is believed to resist immune elimination. This article reviews important virulence factors and mechanisms that allow P. gingivalis to thrive in the periodontium, and summarizes potential microbiological and immunological intervention strategies to counteract P. gingivalis pathogenesis.