A vaccine against periodontitis could soon be released, according to results of a study published in the medical journal NPJ Vaccines. A promising therapeutic solution that would eliminate the risk of recurrence unlike surgery and antibiotics used today.
A team of dental scientists from the University of Melbourne in Australia have been working on a vaccine against chronic periodontitis for 15 years. Clinical trials in patients with periodontitis could begin in 2018.
A vaccine that targets the bacteria, Porphyromonas gingivalis to treat periodontitis
Periodontitis is a disease of the gums caused by bacteria that contaminate the tissues around the teeth, causing them to become inflamed. This infection can damage the bone that supports the teeth, as a result, they can come loose. Periodontitis increases the risk of heart attack orstroke. And according to the scientific literature, 1 in 3 adults will be affected by periodontitis during their lifetime.
“We are currently treating periodontitis with professional cleaning sometimes involving surgery and antibiotic regimens,” said study author Professor Reynolds. “These methods are useful, but in many cases the bacteria recover in the dental plaque causing a microbiological imbalance so that the disease continues. Periodontitis is widespread and destructive. We hope that this vaccine will improve the quality of life of millions of people ”.
Scientists have created a vaccine that targets enzymes produced by the bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis, to trigger an immune response. This response produces antibodies that neutralize the pathogen’s destructive toxins.
Porphyromonas gingivalis is known to be a pathogen, it has the potential to upset the balance of microorganisms in dental plaque, which causes disease.
“We hope that the vaccine will significantly reduce tissue destruction in patients harboring P. gingivalis,” explained Professor Eric Reynolds.
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