Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy Modulates Oral Microbiome in Primary Immunodeficient Children

Background and Aim

Primary Immunodeficiencies (PIDs) arise from rare genetic defects affecting humoral and cellular immunity, which can lead to reduced dental plaque control. This study aimed to characterise the subgingival dental plaque microbiome in neutropenic PID children compared to healthy controls and assess their response to non-surgical periodontal therapy.

Methods

Subgingival plaque was collected from three first molars and one first incisor at baseline and 6 months post therapy from children with PID (n = 24) and systematically healthy control participants (n = 24) who were recruited from Great Ormond Street Hospital and Barts Health NHS Trust, respectively. The subgingival microbiome was profiled using an Illumina metabarcoding approach on the bacterial 16S rRNA gene V1–V2 region.

Results

Significant shifts in community structure were observed post therapy, as measured by alpha and beta diversities. An increase in Rothia spp., Neisseria spp. and Actinomyces spp. was noted in PID children post therapy, consistent with clinical improvements. Baseline blood absolute neutrophil counts in PID children were positively associated with Streptococcus cristatus and Gemella spp., and negatively with Saccharibacteria, Capnocytophaga and Porphyromonas spp., highlighting key host–microbial relationships.

Conclusion

Non-surgical periodontal therapy modulated the subgingival microbiota in neutropenic PID children, revealing novel host–microbial interactions important for the oral microbiome in health.