Treponema denticola as a potential pathogen of pneumonia in individuals with poor oral hygiene: a case report.

Abstract

Treponema denticola is an oral spirochete closely related to periodontal disease. However, the association between Treponema denticola and pneumonia has seldom been reported. In this report, we present a case wherein pneumonia attributable to Treponema denticola was identified through the application of metagenomic next-generation sequencing analysis. The patient had a history of oral operation and poor oral hygiene, which were likely the risk factors of the infection. The results indicated the association between oral microbes and pneumonia and highlighted the importance of maintaining optimal oral health.