Lachnoanaerobaculum gingivalis

Updated : January 8, 2024

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Lachnoanaerobaculum gingivalis, a recently identified bacterial species, was first isolated from human subgingival dental plaque in the context of a gingivitis lesion. The epidemiological understanding of L. gingivalis in humans remains limited, with a particular association noted with oral infections like gingivitis and periodontitis.  

Despite an apparent absence of reported human cases, occurrence data, endemics, or outbreaks for L. gingivalis infections, a meta-analysis of 13 studies from 11 countries estimated an overall prevalence of 37% (95% CI 29–46%) in human dental plaque samples. Interestingly, this prevalence exhibited considerable variability, with the highest pooled prevalence recorded in Jordan at 87% (95% CI 81–92%) and the lowest in Portugal at 3% (95% CI 0–10%).

This suggests that while L. gingivalis is prevalent in human dental plaque, its distribution varies among different geographical regions, possibly influenced by local oral health conditions and practices. The scarcity of reported cases and detailed epidemiological information underscores the need for further research. 

Kingdom: Bacteria  

Phylum: Bacillota  

Class: Clostridia  

Order: Eubacteriales  

Family: Lachnospiraceae  

Genus: Lachnoanaerobaculum 

Species: L. gingivalis  

Lachnoanaerobaculum gingivalis is a gram-positive, obligately anaerobic, and spore-forming rod with a cell length ranging from approximately 1.5 to 2.0 µm and a cell width of about 0.5 to 0.6 µm.   

The bacterium forms subterminal spores that exhibit a slight swelling. The cell wall of L. gingivalis contains peptidoglycan, with meso-diaminopimelic acid serving as the diagnostic diamino acid.   

Additionally, the cell membrane comprises major phospholipids such as phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, and diphosphatidylglycerol. In terms of fatty acid composition, the predominant fatty acids of L. gingivalis include C16:0, C14:0, iso-C19:0, and C17:0 2OH. 

 

The draft genome of Lachnoanaerobaculum gingivalis strain ChDC B114 T was determined to be 3,097,953 base pairs in length, with a G+C content of 35.9 mol%. This newly discovered bacterial species exhibits genetic associations with other closely related species within the genus Lachnoanaerobaculum, including L. umeaense, L. orale, and L. saburreum.   

The type strain, ChDC B114 T, was isolated from human subgingival dental plaque originating from a gingivitis lesion. Notably, the type strain has been deposited in both the Japan Collection of Microorganisms and the Korean Collection for Oral Microbiology under the accession numbers JCM 33452 and KCOM 2030, respectively.  

The 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequence of the type strain is publicly available in the European Nucleotide Archive, accessible via the accession number MK751703. This sequence serves as a valuable resource for understanding the phylogenetic relationships of L. gingivalis within the broader microbial community, particularly in the context of oral microbiota. 

 

Lachnoanaerobaculum gingivalis, with its presence in saliva and dental plaque, may primarily be transmitted through oral contact like kissing, sharing utensils, or dental procedures. Additionally, its potential transmission through the gastrointestinal tract, as suggested by its relation to L. umeaense isolated from a small intestinal biopsy of a child with coeliac disease, indicates diverse routes of dissemination.   

The involvement of L. gingivalis in the development of oral infections, particularly gingivitis and periodontitis, is attributed to its capacity to produce inflammatory mediators, degrade host tissues, and modulate the host immune response. Notably, synergistic interactions with other oral pathogens like Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tannerella forsythia may enhance their overall virulence.  

The pathogenicity of L. gingivalis manifests in the gingival and periodontal tissues, leading to clinical symptoms such as bleeding, swelling, redness, pain, and eventual tooth loss. Furthermore, the potential contribution to systemic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and Alzheimer’s disease, is linked to its ability to induce systemic inflammation and bacterial dissemination.  

 

The human host defenses against Lachnoanaerobaculum gingivalis involve intricate interactions within the innate and adaptive immune systems, as well as coordinated responses in bone resorption and inflammation. Innate immunity constitutes the first line of defense, utilizing physical barriers such as saliva and epithelial cells, along with cellular and molecular components like neutrophils, macrophages, dendritic cells, the complement system, and antimicrobial peptides.

These elements collectively recognize and combat L. gingivalis through mechanisms such as phagocytosis, oxidative burst, cytokine production, and opsonization. Bone resorption, a homeostatic defense mechanism, activates osteoclasts to eliminate L. gingivalis and other oral pathogens by breaking down bone tissue that may serve as a bacterial niche.

The regulation of osteoblasts, bone-forming cells, is also involved. Yet, L. gingivalis can influence bone resorption by producing factors that modulate the expression and activity of mediators such as RANKL, OPG, and BMPs, potentially affecting the balance between bone formation and resorption. Adaptive immunity, the second line of defense, provides a specific response against L. gingivalis, involving lymphocytes, B cells, T cells, antibodies, and cytokines.

This system recognizes and eliminates the bacterium through antibody-mediated neutralization, opsonization, complement activation, and cell-mediated cytotoxicity. However, L. gingivalis can evade or manipulate the adaptive immune response by producing antigens that induce cross-reactivity or tolerance in host cells and modulate T-cell subset polarization and activation. Inflammation, another protective response, engages immune cells and inflammatory mediators to eliminate L. gingivalis.

Cytokines, chemokines, prostaglandins, and matrix metalloproteinases contribute to this process by enhancing the immune response, increasing vascular permeability, and degrading the extracellular matrix. Nevertheless, L. gingivalis can induce or exacerbate inflammation by producing factors that stimulate pro-inflammatory mediator production, disrupting the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators. 

 

The clinical manifestations of Lachnoanaerobaculum gingivalis in humans are not extensively researched, but there is an association with oral diseases, particularly gingivitis and periodontitis. This bacterium has been identified in the subgingival dental plaque of a patient with gingivitis, suggesting a potential role in oral health issues. 

  • Culture Test: Lachnoanaerobaculum gingivalis can be cultured on tryptic soy agar (TSA) plates supplemented with 0.5% yeast extract, 0.05% cysteine HCl-H2O, 0.5 mg/ml hemin, and 2 μg/ml vitamin K1 (TSA-YCHVk) in anaerobic conditions. Incubation at 37°C in an anaerobic chamber with 10% H2, 5% CO2, and 85% N2 supports the growth of L. gingivalis, providing a traditional method for detection. 
  • 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing: Utilizing 16S rRNA gene sequencing, the bacterial isolate’s gene sequence is compared with reference sequences of L. gingivalis and related species within the genus. The percent similarity in the 16S rRNA gene sequence aids in understanding the bacterium’s phylogenetic relationship and taxonomic status, contributing to accurate identification. 
  • MALDI-TOF MS (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry): MALDI-TOF MS analyzes the mass spectra of bacterial proteins, comparing them with reference spectra of L. gingivalis and related Lachnoanaerobaculum species in the genus. The degree of similarity in the mass spectra provides insights into the identity and diversity of the bacterium, offering a rapid and reliable method for identification. 
  • PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction): PCR amplifies specific regions of bacterial DNA, allowing the detection of L. gingivalis and related species within the genus. Genomic features and unique markers specific to L. gingivalis guide primer design and target selection. PCR serves as a molecular technique to confirm the presence or absence of the bacterium. 
  • Regularly brush & floss your teeth to remove dental plaque and reduce the risk of L. gingivalis colonization. Use mouthwash as recommended by oral health professionals. Additionally, attend regular dental check-ups and cleanings to ensure optimal oral hygiene and address any potential issues promptly. 
  • Since L. gingivalis may be transmitted through saliva and dental plaque, exercise caution when engaging in oral contact with individuals known to have gingivitis or periodontitis. Minimize activities such as kissing or sharing utensils to reduce the potential transmission of the bacterium. This preventive measure contributes to overall oral health and limits the spread of L. gingivalis. 

 

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Lachnoanaerobaculum gingivalis

Updated : January 8, 2024

Mail Whatsapp PDF Image



Lachnoanaerobaculum gingivalis, a recently identified bacterial species, was first isolated from human subgingival dental plaque in the context of a gingivitis lesion. The epidemiological understanding of L. gingivalis in humans remains limited, with a particular association noted with oral infections like gingivitis and periodontitis.  

Despite an apparent absence of reported human cases, occurrence data, endemics, or outbreaks for L. gingivalis infections, a meta-analysis of 13 studies from 11 countries estimated an overall prevalence of 37% (95% CI 29–46%) in human dental plaque samples. Interestingly, this prevalence exhibited considerable variability, with the highest pooled prevalence recorded in Jordan at 87% (95% CI 81–92%) and the lowest in Portugal at 3% (95% CI 0–10%).

This suggests that while L. gingivalis is prevalent in human dental plaque, its distribution varies among different geographical regions, possibly influenced by local oral health conditions and practices. The scarcity of reported cases and detailed epidemiological information underscores the need for further research. 

Kingdom: Bacteria  

Phylum: Bacillota  

Class: Clostridia  

Order: Eubacteriales  

Family: Lachnospiraceae  

Genus: Lachnoanaerobaculum 

Species: L. gingivalis  

Lachnoanaerobaculum gingivalis is a gram-positive, obligately anaerobic, and spore-forming rod with a cell length ranging from approximately 1.5 to 2.0 µm and a cell width of about 0.5 to 0.6 µm.   

The bacterium forms subterminal spores that exhibit a slight swelling. The cell wall of L. gingivalis contains peptidoglycan, with meso-diaminopimelic acid serving as the diagnostic diamino acid.   

Additionally, the cell membrane comprises major phospholipids such as phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, and diphosphatidylglycerol. In terms of fatty acid composition, the predominant fatty acids of L. gingivalis include C16:0, C14:0, iso-C19:0, and C17:0 2OH. 

 

The draft genome of Lachnoanaerobaculum gingivalis strain ChDC B114 T was determined to be 3,097,953 base pairs in length, with a G+C content of 35.9 mol%. This newly discovered bacterial species exhibits genetic associations with other closely related species within the genus Lachnoanaerobaculum, including L. umeaense, L. orale, and L. saburreum.   

The type strain, ChDC B114 T, was isolated from human subgingival dental plaque originating from a gingivitis lesion. Notably, the type strain has been deposited in both the Japan Collection of Microorganisms and the Korean Collection for Oral Microbiology under the accession numbers JCM 33452 and KCOM 2030, respectively.  

The 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequence of the type strain is publicly available in the European Nucleotide Archive, accessible via the accession number MK751703. This sequence serves as a valuable resource for understanding the phylogenetic relationships of L. gingivalis within the broader microbial community, particularly in the context of oral microbiota. 

 

Lachnoanaerobaculum gingivalis, with its presence in saliva and dental plaque, may primarily be transmitted through oral contact like kissing, sharing utensils, or dental procedures. Additionally, its potential transmission through the gastrointestinal tract, as suggested by its relation to L. umeaense isolated from a small intestinal biopsy of a child with coeliac disease, indicates diverse routes of dissemination.   

The involvement of L. gingivalis in the development of oral infections, particularly gingivitis and periodontitis, is attributed to its capacity to produce inflammatory mediators, degrade host tissues, and modulate the host immune response. Notably, synergistic interactions with other oral pathogens like Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tannerella forsythia may enhance their overall virulence.  

The pathogenicity of L. gingivalis manifests in the gingival and periodontal tissues, leading to clinical symptoms such as bleeding, swelling, redness, pain, and eventual tooth loss. Furthermore, the potential contribution to systemic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and Alzheimer’s disease, is linked to its ability to induce systemic inflammation and bacterial dissemination.  

 

The human host defenses against Lachnoanaerobaculum gingivalis involve intricate interactions within the innate and adaptive immune systems, as well as coordinated responses in bone resorption and inflammation. Innate immunity constitutes the first line of defense, utilizing physical barriers such as saliva and epithelial cells, along with cellular and molecular components like neutrophils, macrophages, dendritic cells, the complement system, and antimicrobial peptides.

These elements collectively recognize and combat L. gingivalis through mechanisms such as phagocytosis, oxidative burst, cytokine production, and opsonization. Bone resorption, a homeostatic defense mechanism, activates osteoclasts to eliminate L. gingivalis and other oral pathogens by breaking down bone tissue that may serve as a bacterial niche.

The regulation of osteoblasts, bone-forming cells, is also involved. Yet, L. gingivalis can influence bone resorption by producing factors that modulate the expression and activity of mediators such as RANKL, OPG, and BMPs, potentially affecting the balance between bone formation and resorption. Adaptive immunity, the second line of defense, provides a specific response against L. gingivalis, involving lymphocytes, B cells, T cells, antibodies, and cytokines.

This system recognizes and eliminates the bacterium through antibody-mediated neutralization, opsonization, complement activation, and cell-mediated cytotoxicity. However, L. gingivalis can evade or manipulate the adaptive immune response by producing antigens that induce cross-reactivity or tolerance in host cells and modulate T-cell subset polarization and activation. Inflammation, another protective response, engages immune cells and inflammatory mediators to eliminate L. gingivalis.

Cytokines, chemokines, prostaglandins, and matrix metalloproteinases contribute to this process by enhancing the immune response, increasing vascular permeability, and degrading the extracellular matrix. Nevertheless, L. gingivalis can induce or exacerbate inflammation by producing factors that stimulate pro-inflammatory mediator production, disrupting the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators. 

 

The clinical manifestations of Lachnoanaerobaculum gingivalis in humans are not extensively researched, but there is an association with oral diseases, particularly gingivitis and periodontitis. This bacterium has been identified in the subgingival dental plaque of a patient with gingivitis, suggesting a potential role in oral health issues. 

  • Culture Test: Lachnoanaerobaculum gingivalis can be cultured on tryptic soy agar (TSA) plates supplemented with 0.5% yeast extract, 0.05% cysteine HCl-H2O, 0.5 mg/ml hemin, and 2 μg/ml vitamin K1 (TSA-YCHVk) in anaerobic conditions. Incubation at 37°C in an anaerobic chamber with 10% H2, 5% CO2, and 85% N2 supports the growth of L. gingivalis, providing a traditional method for detection. 
  • 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing: Utilizing 16S rRNA gene sequencing, the bacterial isolate’s gene sequence is compared with reference sequences of L. gingivalis and related species within the genus. The percent similarity in the 16S rRNA gene sequence aids in understanding the bacterium’s phylogenetic relationship and taxonomic status, contributing to accurate identification. 
  • MALDI-TOF MS (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry): MALDI-TOF MS analyzes the mass spectra of bacterial proteins, comparing them with reference spectra of L. gingivalis and related Lachnoanaerobaculum species in the genus. The degree of similarity in the mass spectra provides insights into the identity and diversity of the bacterium, offering a rapid and reliable method for identification. 
  • PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction): PCR amplifies specific regions of bacterial DNA, allowing the detection of L. gingivalis and related species within the genus. Genomic features and unique markers specific to L. gingivalis guide primer design and target selection. PCR serves as a molecular technique to confirm the presence or absence of the bacterium. 
  • Regularly brush & floss your teeth to remove dental plaque and reduce the risk of L. gingivalis colonization. Use mouthwash as recommended by oral health professionals. Additionally, attend regular dental check-ups and cleanings to ensure optimal oral hygiene and address any potential issues promptly. 
  • Since L. gingivalis may be transmitted through saliva and dental plaque, exercise caution when engaging in oral contact with individuals known to have gingivitis or periodontitis. Minimize activities such as kissing or sharing utensils to reduce the potential transmission of the bacterium. This preventive measure contributes to overall oral health and limits the spread of L. gingivalis. 

 

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