Effect of periodontitis on age-related disease in people living with HIV

Periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disease, is linked to age-related conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and HIV. People living with HIV (PLWH) face a higher prevalence of periodontitis compared to the general population, potentially increasing their risk of other age-related diseases. This thesis explores the complex interplay between periodontitis, HIV, immune activation, and these conditions.
Chapter 2 reveals that severe periodontitis is more common in PLWH (66%) than in controls (36%), with HIV infection, age, and male gender as significant risk factors. Many PLWH avoid disclosing their HIV status to dentists due to stigma.
Chapter 3 investigates the relationship between periodontitis, cardiovascular risk, and immune aging, showing that while periodontitis doesn’t directly cause immune aging, it’s linked to increased cardiovascular risk.
Chapter 4 identifies elevated levels of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Peptostreptococcus micros and C-reactive protein (CRP) in PLWH with severe periodontitis, suggesting that treating periodontitis could improve both oral and systemic health.
Chapter 5 examines a potential connection between periodontal inflammation and low-level viremia (LLV) in PLWH but finds no significant association.
Chapter 6 evaluates the impact of full-mouth dental extractions on cardiometabolic health, concluding that this treatment does not significantly improve these parameters. Chapter 7 highlights the poor quality and readability of online information about periodontitis for PLWH, emphasizing the need for clearer, more reliable resources.
In conclusion, this thesis stresses the importance of improving oral health management in PLWH, reducing HIV-related stigma, and focusing future research on the links between periodontitis, HIV, and age-related diseases.