Vaginal Microflora and Gingivitis
Author Information
Author(s): Rutger Persson, Jane Hitti, Rita Verhelst, Marino Vaneechoutte, Rigmor Persson, Regula Hirschi, Marianne Weibel, Marilynn Rothen, Marleen Temmerman, Kathleen Paul, David Eschenbach
Primary Institution: University of Berne
Hypothesis
The vaginal microflora differs between women with or without overt clinical evidence of gingivitis.
Conclusion
Higher vaginal bacterial counts can be found in women with BV and gingivitis compared to those with BV but not gingivitis.
Supporting Evidence
- Women with a diagnosis of BV were more likely to have gingivitis (p = 0.01).
- Vaginal bacterial counts were higher for 38/74 species in BV+ compared to BV- women (p < 0.001).
- Counts of Prevotella bivia and Prevotella disiens were higher in women with gingivitis (p < 0.001).
- The sum of bacterial load was higher in the BV+/G+ group than in the BV+/G- group (p < 0.05).
Takeaway
This study found that women with a certain type of vaginal infection called bacterial vaginosis are more likely to have gum problems, and they have more bacteria in their vagina.
Methodology
Vaginal samples were collected from women and assessed using a DNA-DNA checkerboard hybridization assay.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in participant selection as women were recruited based on previous delivery history.
Limitations
The study only included women who had given birth at least six months prior, which may limit generalizability.
Participant Demographics
Mean age 29.4 years, with 32.6% Caucasian, 44.6% African-American, 4.9% Native American, and 17.9% other races.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.5–5.7 for P. bivia, 95% CI 1.8–7.5 for P. disiens
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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