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Oral bacteria that enter the bloodstream may cause major blood clots, and possibly even lead to endocarditis.
This research could lead to new drugs being created, according to scientists who presented their work at the Society for General Microbiology’s Spring Conference in Dublin, Ireland.
Streptococcus gordonii is a regular inhabitant of the mouth, leading to plaque that forms on the tooth surface. If these bacteria enter the bloodstream via bleeding gums, they can mimic human proteins, which can lead to other health problems.
A group of researchers from the Royal College in Ireland and the University of Bristol pinpointed the fact that S. gordonii can produce a molecule that duplicates the human protein fibrinogen. This causes the platelets to be activated, and then clump together inside the blood vessels. The blood clots then encase the bacteria, shielding them from the immune system and any kind of antibiotics. The heart valve may then grow and the blood vessels may become inflamed.
Infective endocarditis can only be treated with surgery or strong antibiotics. The antibiotics, however, are becoming less effective. Roughly 30 percent of people with infective endocarditis die and most of them require some type of surgery.
The research team is also analyzing other types of dental plaque bacteria that could have a similar impact when compared to S. gordonii.
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