Sequence variation of genes coding specific virulence factors in P. gingivalis strains. Porphyromonas gingivalis strains

Porphyromonas gingivalis is a gram-negative anaerobic rod colonizing niches in the oral cavity. Although part of the normal microbiota, it is a major periodontal pathogen. The bacterium expresses several virulence factors, among them fimbriae, gingipains, hemagglutinins and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). There are six genotypes of the major fimbriae (FimA) and several gingipains that participate in how P. gingivalis invade the host cells and regulate the immune response.