Study Investigates Antibiotic Resistance Patterns of P. Gingivalis

A new study out of Temple University School of Dentistry in Philadelphia evaluated the antibiotic resistance patterns of Porphyromonas gingivalis, a major pathogen in periodontal disease. The research highlighted several key findings. Conducted over 20 years, the study revealed a significant increase in antibiotic resistance among P. gingivalis in the United States. In 1999-2000, antibiotic resistance to clindamycin was rare, affecting only 0.6% of patients, but by 2019-2020, this resistance had risen to 9.3%. Similarly, resistance to amoxicillin increased from 0.1% in 1999-2000 to 2.8% in 2019-2020. Antibiotic resistance patterns in P. gingivalis vary by region, and the study emphasized the need for region-specific surveillance. The US showed marked increases in clindamycin and amoxicillin resistance, surpassing levels seen in some other countries. The study found negligible resistance to metronidazole, metronidazole plus amoxicillin, and doxycycline. These antibiotics remained effective against P. gingivalis. The findings have significant clinical implications, particularly concerning the use of clindamycin and amoxicillin in the treatment of periodontal diseases. The research underscores the global concern of antibiotic resistance and its implications in dental practice, emphasizing the importance of adapting treatment strategies to address changing antibiotic susceptibility patterns in periodontal pathogens. Click here to read more.