Microbiome of periodontitis and peri-implantitis before and after therapy: Long-read 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing

Aims

The microbial profiles of peri-implantitis and periodontitis (PT) are inconclusive. The controversies mainly arise from the differences in sampling sites, targeted gene fragment, and microbiome analysis techniques. The objective of this study was to explore the microbiomes of peri-implantitis (PI), control implants (CI), PT and control teeth (CT), and the microbial change of PI after nonsurgical treatment (PIAT).

Methods

Twenty-two patients diagnosed with both PT and peri-implantitis were recruited. Clinical periodontal parameters and radiographic bone levels were recorded. In each patient, the subgingival and submucosal plaque samples were collected from sites with PI, CI, PT, CT, and PIAT. Microbiome diversity was analyzed by high-throughput amplicon sequencing using full-length of 16S rRNA gene by next generation sequencing.

Results

The 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis revealed 512 OTUs in oral microbiome and 377 OTUs reached strain levels. The PI and PT groups possessed their own unique core microbiome. Treponema denticola was predominant in PI with probing depth of 8–10 mm. Interestingly, Thermovirga lienii DSM 17291 and Dialister invisus DSM 15470 were found to associate with PI. Nonsurgical treatment for peri-implantitis did not significantly alter the microbiome, except Rothia aeria.

Conclusion

Our study suggests Treponemas species may play a pivotal role in peri-implantitis. Nonsurgical treatment did not exert a major influence on the peri-implantitis microbiome in short-term follow-up. PT and peri-implantitis possess the unique microbiome profiles, and different therapeutic strategies may be suggested in the future.