Qualitative assessment of Helicobacter pylori by PCR in the saliva of Male Smokers and Non-Smokers with Chronic Periodontitis

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a normal resident of the gastric environment, has also been found in the oral environment of humans. Various studies have associated the presence of H. pylori in the oral environment of subjects with periodontitis suggesting that progression of periodontal pocket and inflammation may favor colonization by this bacterium. One of the major risk factors for periodontitis is smoking. Smokers have increased prevalence and severe extent of periodontal disease, as well as a higher prevalence of tooth loss compared to non-smokers. This chapter aims to assess the comparative presence of H. pylori in the saliva of smokers and nonsmokers with chronic periodontitis. A total of 48 male individuals diagnosed with chronic periodontitis (CAL
5mm) with and without smoking habits were enrolled in the study. The unstimulated whole saliva was subjected to H. pylori DNA detection using real-time PCR. The percent presence of H. pylori DNA among the groups was statistically compared.

Periodontal parameters (gingival index, plaque index, probing depth, and clinical attachment level) were significantly different between smokers and non-smokers compared to controls (P =.001). Overall, H. pylori was not detected in controls (100% negative), whereas 5.5% of non-smokers and 13.3% of smokers showed the presence of H. pylori. The Chi-square test showed a significant difference (P =.003) between smokers and controls; however, it was seen that the relative differences among the groups could not reach statistical significance. The study revealed that smokers with chronic periodontitis may be at a relatively higher risk of H. pylori presence in the oral cavity than non-smokers.