Strain variation in the human periodontopathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis

Chronic periodontitis is a prevalent bacterially associated inflammatory disease of the supporting tissues of the tooth that is also associated with a range of systemic diseases and disorders. Porphyromonas gingivalis is regarded as a keystone pathogen of this polymicrobial disease. The virulence of Porphyromonas gingivalis is reported to be strain related. The aim of this study was to determine the genetic variability P. gingivalis strains sourced from panglobal geographical locations and determine if variability in virulence related proteins has a phylogenetic basis.