Detection of Porphyromonas gingivalis DNA in aortic tissue by PCR

Background: Periodontopathogens may play a role in the etiology of cardiovascular disease. The aim of the present study was to investigate biopsies of aortic tissue for the presence of periodontopathogens. Methods: Samples taken from the aortas of 26 patients connected to a heart-lung machine during open-heart surgery were analyzed in a gene-diagnostics laboratory by polymerase chain reaction. Immediately after biopsy, the samples were transferred into liquid nitrogen and stored at -80degreesC. 16S rRNA gene-directed primers were used for general detection of bacterial cells, and specific primers for detection of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans. Questionable amplificons were verified by Southern hybridization using DNA probes. Results: Bacterial DNA was found in 23 of 26 (88.5%) samples, in most cases only in concentrations around the detection limit. Four samples were clearly positive for P. gingivalis; A. actinomycetemcomitans was not detected. Conclusion: These results might indicate a link between periodontopathogens entering the cardiovascular system and cardiovascular disease.