Open AccessAggregatibacter (Actinobacillus) actimycetemcomitans leukotoxin and human periodontitis – A historic review with emphasis on JP2
Author(s) -
Tsai ChiCheng,
Ho YaPing,
Chou YuShian,
Ho KunYen,
Wu YiMin,
Lin YingChu
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
the kaohsiung journal of medical sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.439
H-Index - 36
eISSN - 2410-8650
pISSN - 1607-551X
DOI - 10.1016/j.kjms.2018.01.014
Subject(s) - aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans , medicine , actinobacillus , periodontitis , clone (java method) , aggressive periodontitis , clinical attachment loss , lipopolysaccharide , microbiology and biotechnology , immunology , porphyromonas gingivalis , biology , gene , biochemistry
Aggregatibacter (Actinobacillus) actimycetemcomitans (Aa) is a gram‐negative bacterium that colonizes the human oral cavity and is causative agent for localized aggressive (juvenile) periodontitis (AgP). In the middle of 1990s, a specific JP2 clone of belonging to the cluster of serotype b strains of Aa with highly leukotoxicity (leukotoxin, LtxA) able to kill human immune cells was isolated. JP2 clone of Aa was strongly associated with in particularly in rapidly progressing forms of aggressive periodontitis. The JP2 clone of Aa is transmitted through close contacts. Therefore, AgP patients need intense monitoring of their periodontal status as the risk for developing severely progressing periodontitis lesions are relatively high. Furthermore, timely periodontal treatment, including periodontal surgery supplemented by the use of antibiotics, is warranted. More importantly, periodontal attachment loss should be prevented by early detection of the JP2 clone of Aa by microbial diagnosis testing and/or preventive means.