Is Serotype Dependent
Periodontitis is a major risk factor for Alzheimer´s disease, and P. gingivalis is a keystone pathogen linking these diseases. Although different P. gingivalis serotypes can access the brain, its particular capsular types play a central role in the chronic inflammatory assault and cognitive impairment induced by short-term oral infection. The more virulent encapsulated serotypes are likely more prompt to lead to AD-like-pathology, probably speeding up the pathogenic process compared to less virulent serotypes.