Oral microbiome and host health

: is the Firmicutes / Bacteroidetes ratio an indicator of oral and systemic health

Abstract

Introduction: Oral health is determined by several factors including systemic health. In the elderly oral health issues are prevalent and treatment needs increased. The goals of this work were to stablish a multidimensional strategy to characterize oral health in an elderly population of Viseu in different dimensions from oral health indicators, to salivary properties including microbiome evaluation. A secondary objective was the establishment of the laboratory procedures for Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes quantification by RT-PCR technology.
Methods: In this study 3 strategies for data collection were used: questionnaires for sociodemographic data and self-perceived oral health; clinical assessments of oral health determination and saliva for biochemical and microbiological parameters.
Results: DMFT indices we 20.82 and 78% of the population presented with periodontal disease (PSR 2-4). 14-3-3 protein sigma is proposed as a stratification biomarker for individuals with periodontal disease and comorbidities. Salivary bacterial analysis demonstrated that Firmicutes (20%) are more prevalent than Bacteroidetes (3%) and the mean F/B ratio was 12,84. Bacterial indices were not statistically different in the different sub groups.
Discussion: Results indicate that this populations oral health is may be improved especially regarding missing teeth and periodontal status. There were no statistical differences in the association between biochemical and microbiological parameters and oral health. There were differences in the clinically assessed oral health levels and the self-perceived oral health.
Conclusion: This thesis provides a multidimensional strategy towards the evaluation of the oral health of a senior population in Viseu.

Date of Award	28 Jul 2017
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Maria José Correia (Supervisor) & Marlene Barros (Co-Supervisor)