DOI

https://doi.org/10.25772/Z8CB-3852

Defense Date

2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Dentistry

Department

Dentistry

First Advisor

Janina Lewis

Second Advisor

Janina Golob Deeb

Third Advisor

Caroline Carrico

Fourth Advisor

Thomas Waldrop

Abstract

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease with a bacterial etiology in a susceptible host. Given the bacterial etiology, a selective antimicrobial agent with minimal side effects could be a useful adjunct to traditional therapy. Amixicile is a novel antimicrobial that targets the pyruvate: ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFOR) which is an enzyme that is critical for anaerobic bacterial metabolism. It has been found to have no effect on commensal, aerobic microbes and has little to no side-effects thus far in animal models. In this study, two nonhuman primates of the Macaca mulatta species with naturally occurring mild chronic periodontitis were studied before and after a two-week course of systemic administration of amixicile and at 3- and 6-months post-treatment. Periodontal charting including probing depths, clinical attachment levels, presence of bleeding on probing, and presence of plaque was recorded at each visit in addition to collecting saliva and subgingival plaque samples. The microbial composition of the plaque and saliva was evaluated based on 16s rDNA analysis. Both animals’ clinical conditions saw a reduction in probing depths and clinical inflammation. In the saliva samples a reduction in Porphyromonas, Fusobacterium, and Alloprevotella, all anaerobes, was seen with a concomitant increase in Streptococcus, Haemophilus, Gemella, and Escherichia, all aerobes, was observed. Subgingival plaque samples showed similar alterations in microbial composition. Reduction of Porphyromonas, Fusobacterium, Prevotella, Veillonella, and Alloprevotella, all anaerobes, was observed with concomitant increase of known aerobes. These changes generally take place immediately post-treatment but return to baseline levels by 6-months. Thus, it was concluded that due to its selectivity for anaerobic periodontal pathogens and lack of side effects, amixicile is a strong candidate as a viable antimicrobial option for the treatment of periodontal disease.

Rights

© The Author

Is Part Of

VCU University Archives

Is Part Of

VCU Theses and Dissertations

Date of Submission

5-11-2020

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