Comparison of the Immunological Responses in Mice Sensitized with Live Bacteria of Either Fusobacterium nucleatum or Porphyromonas gingivalis and Its Bactericidal Effect

TNFα production was higher in the abdomen of Pg immunized mice than in serum. IL-1β levels were the same in both Fn and Pg challenged mice. IFNγ production was significantly higher in Fn than Pg-immunized mice. Expression of CXCR-1 and CXCR-3 mRNA was significantly higher in Fn than Pg-immunized mice. The elimination effect of the bacteria in the abdominal cavity was remarkable after Fn but not in Pg immunization. Fn immunized mice were more effective in eliminating Pg in the abdomen, suggesting the macrophage activation via Th1 may play a part in protection from periodontitis.