World’s first vaccine for gum disease was developed by a team of researchers from Melbourne University.
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- Gum disease is characterized by a sticky, colorless plaque on the teeth.
- Porphyromonas gingivalis bacteria in the oral cavity is responsible for most of the gum diseases.
- Scientists from Australia discover the world’s first vaccine for gum disease treatment.
The study findings were published in the journal NPJ Vaccines.
Periodontitis (serious gum infections) and gum diseases affect about one in three adults in Australia. Around more than 50% of the Australians above the age of 65 suffer due to gum disease.
Gum diseases may destroy gum tissue and bone supporting teeth resulting in tooth loss. They are mainly associated with diabetes, heart diseases, rheumatoid arthritis and certain cancers.
The newly discovered vaccine will trigger immune response by targeting the enzymes produced by Porphyromonas gingivalis bacteria. This inturn may produce antibodies which will neutralize the pathogen’s destructive toxins.
Eric Reynolds, CEO of Oral Health Cooperative Research Center, University of Melbourne also said, that the vaccine could reduce the destruction of tissues caused by the pathogenic bacteria.
Further clinical trials of the vaccine in humans will be carried out in 2018 to help improve the quality of life for millions of people.
Source-Medindia