Microbiological tests to identify a link between periodontitis and acute myocardial infarction-an original research

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Gingival and periodontal diseases are associated with specific bacterial infections. The main aim of the study was to know whether the periodontitis is associated with an increased risk for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and to know the distribution of Porphyromonas gingivalis in patients with acute myocardial infarction associated with chronic periodontitis and acute myocardial infarction Groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS Out of 50 patients, 20 were diagnosed as acute myocardial infarction associated with chronic periodontitis (Group I), twenty patients were suffering from AMI (Group II) and 10 patients were healthy (control Group III). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Periodontal pathogens were identified by phenotypic, enzymatic and hybridization methods. The total bacterial load and the number of Porphyromonas gingivalis pathogens were more in Group I when compared to Group II and Group III. Thus, the present study confirmed an association between periodontitis and AMI.