Detecting bacteria causing cancer, diabetes

Porphyromonas gingivalis bacteria (Pg) has been identified as a causative agent of human cancers, diabetes and Alzheimer's.

The results of this study were published December 7 by experts from Cortexyme at the Alzheimer's disease conference in San Diego, California.

Previously, the Pg bacterium was known to cause gum disease. This is a serious gum infection that damages soft tissues and damages tooth enamel.

Pg bacteria exist in the human oral cavity.(Illustration).

Researchers from Cortexyme also found the bacterium in the brain of Alzheimer's patients; in the pancreas and liver of diabetics; In some types of cancer tumors are mainly concentrated in the head, neck and digestive system.

To conclude that the Pg bacteria caused these diseases, the researchers conducted experiments on mice. Usually, mice do not carry the Pg bacteria, but the transplanted mice have suffered from periodontitis, followed by many diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, fatty liver. and Alzheimer.

Pg bacteria exist in the human oral cavity. In the process of brushing your teeth, if you accidentally bleed, they will penetrate into the blood cells and move throughout the human body. Antibiotics cannot kill this bacterium at this time.

The good news is that humans are not infected with Pg when they are born. They are considered to appear from adolescence.

Over the years, dozens of research institutions have been testing vaccines to help prevent the Pg bacteria, in addition to dental treatments. In particular, Professor Eric Reynolds's team from the University of Melbourne, Australia has tested a vaccine successfully in mice and plans to test it on humans soon.