Ocurrencia de microorganismos periodontopatogénicos en pacientes con dependencia química

Drug addiction won dramatic aspects in terms of its dimensions and the effects that it imposes. These chemical agents are able to reduce the immune reactivity and tissue repair, and enhance microbial aggression, aggravating the destruction of the periodontium and other side effects. This study aimed to evaluate the presence of key periodontal pathogens in the mouth of drug addiction patients, comparing it with individuals who do not exhibit this dependence, as well as assess the influence of oral conditions on the occurrence of such microorganisms. For this purpose, data on systemic health conditions, socioeconomic, patterns of licit or illicit drug consumption of 100 patients with chemical dependency kept in rehabilitation clinics and an equal number of non-dependent patients, who formed the control group were obtained. Intra and extraoral clinical examinations were performed and samples of supragingival and subgingival biofilm, saliva and mucous membranes were collected. The presence of the targeted microorganism was assessed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). It was found that Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and Treponema denticola showed close correlation with bone loss and gingival bleeding in drug addiction dependents and control group, but the oral mucous membranes and saliva of addicts showed higher occurrence of these pathogens. Descriptors: Periodontitis; Dental Plaque; Substance-Related Disorders.