Frequency of detection of periodontopathic and superinfecting bacteria in HIV-positive patients with periodontitis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this investigation was to establish the frequency of detection of periodontopathic bacteria and Gram-negative enteric rods in HIV-positive (HIV+) patients with periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical parameters and microbiological samples were obtained from 31 HIV+ periodontitis (H+PG) patients, 32 HIV-negative (HIV-) periodontitis (H-PG) patients and 32 systemically and periodontally healthy (CG) patients. Microbial samples were analyzed using culturing techniques for periodontopathic and superinfecting microorganisms. The ANOVA test was used to assess differences in the clinical parameters, and the Chi square and two-tailed Mann Whitney tests were used to find differences in the composition of the microbiota (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The frequency of detection of periodontopathic bacteria was higher in HIV- periodontitis patients (p < 0.05) compared to HIV+ and healthy subjects. In contrast, HIV+ patients harbor higher levels of superinfecting microorganisms (p < 0.05). Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter cloacae and Klebsiella pneumoniae were identified. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of detection and levels of periodontopathic bacteria were higher in the HIV- periodontitis patients compared to HIV+ patients and healthy subjects. In contrast, levels of superinfecting bacteria were found to be elevated in HIV+ periodontitis patients. Special attention should be paid to the presence of periodontopathic and superinfecting bacteria in these patients in order to avoid further periodontal and systemic complications.