查看文章

Introduction:  Porphyromonas gingivalis, a major periodontal pathogen, is gaining increasing attention for its possible association with cardiovascular diseases. Its fimbriae are classified into six genotypes (types I–V and Ib) based on the diversity of the fimA genes encoding the fimbrial subunits. In this study, fimA genotypic distribution was analyzed in P. gingivalis‐infected cardiovascular specimens.

Methods:  A total of 112 heart valves and 80 atheromatous plaque specimens were collected from patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery, as well as 56 dental plaque specimens. Bacterial DNA was extracted from each, and polymerase chain reaction analysis was carried out with a P. gingivalis‐specific set of primers. P. gingivalis‐positive specimens were further analyzed to discriminate the fimA genotype using polymerase chain reaction with fimA type‐specific primer sets.

Results:  P. gingivalis was …