Bacterial Periodontitis in Horses: An Epidemiological Study in Southern Italy

Equine periodontal disease (EPD) is a painful oral inflammatory syndrome characterized by multifactorial pathogenesis. Although it well known that bacterial proliferation and consequent gingivitis are caused the decomposition process of food residues, in hypsodont species, pathogenetic role different species involved progression EPD must be fully clarified. This study aimed to investigate association bacteria, including complex red bacteria (RCB), with EPD, evaluate possible risk factors. Bacterial Treponema denticola, Tannerella forsythia, Porphyromonas gingivalis (belonging RCB), Fusobacterium nucleatum, Veilonella parvula, Prevotella intermedia, were investigated 125 swabs from healthy EPD-affected horses using real-time multiplex PCR. Subsequently, factors (i.e., age, gender, breed animals type feed used) evaluated univariate multivariate analyses. spp. detected significantly higher proportion affected than animals, although pathogens belonging RCB low number horses. At same time, none was associated particular stage severity. Horses aged older 20 years at EPD. The high rate coinfection, statistically supports hypothesis simultaneous involvement several an increased depending on animal’s age. Constant hygiene best prevention prevent treat disease, especially old animals.