Investigating the role of host genetic polymorphisms in periodontitis susceptibility in a Western Cape population
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Date
2024
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University of the Western Cape
Abstract
Background: Over the last three decades, severe periodontitis has steadily increased worldwide, creating a notable public health burden, especially in Africa. This complex, multifactorial disease often remains undiagnosed until irreversible periodontal damage has occurred. While microbial biofilm is key to the disease onset, the host’s immune-inflammatory response primarily drives tissue destruction. Periodontitis results from complex interactions between the oral microbiome, the host immune system, and environmental factors in susceptible individuals. The disease negatively impacts oral and general health, reducing quality of life. Periodontitis management is costly and requires skilled personnel for long-term care, emphasizing the importance of prevention and early diagnosis. Understanding periodontitis pathogenesis involves studying both host genetics and microbial factors. Research shows that genetic susceptibility varies by ethnicity, with disparities in periodontitis prevalence across populations. In South Africa, limited dental access and diverse ethnicities add complexity to predicting disease progression, making it essential to explore genetic and bacterial factors to identify risk profiles in different demographics. Filling this gap may guide future diagnostic tools and precision dentistry. Aims: This study aimed at identifying the genetic polymorphisms which influence susceptibility to periodontitis and to characterize the sub-gingival bacterial communities of periodontal pockets in periodontitis patients in a Western Cape population.
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Keywords
Candidate Gene Analysis, Dental Biofilm, Infectogenomics, Periodontal Health, Single Nucleotide Polymorphism