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This is Oral Bacteria Cause Heart Disease

This is Oral Bacteria Cause Heart Disease | There are many bacteria that live in our mouths, one of which is Streptococcus Gordonii. A recent study found that, the bacteria Streptococcus Gordonii into the blood stream can cause blood clots and lead to endocarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart).

Thus the results of the presented research by scientists from the Royal College of Surgeons in the Society for General Microbiologys Spring Conference, Dublin Ireland this week.

Streptococcus Gordonii is a type of bacteria in the mouth and has contributed in the formation of plaque on tooth surfaces. If the bacteria enter the bloodstream through the gums are bleeding, they will wreak havoc by posing as a human protein.

Researchers from the Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland (RCSI) and University of Bristol have found that S. Gordonii is able to produce molecules that mimic human proteins fibrinogen, and cause clots in the blood vessels. Platelet clumping can cause endocarditis, or inflammation of blood vessels that can block the blood supply to the heart and brain.

Dr Helen Petersen, said, with a better understanding of the relationship between bacteria and the risk of blood clots, it can help especially in the treatment of infective endocarditis do. Infective endocarditis is an infection of the heart valves, which are usually caused by bacteria.

"About 30 percent of people with infective endocarditis will die and most require heart valve replacement surgery who have been infected, with valves made ​​of metal or animals," says Dr. Petersen.

"Our team has now identified the components of S. Gordonii molecules that mimic fibrinogen, so we are getting closer to be able to design new compounds to block it. This will prevent the stimulation of unwanted blood clots," continued Dr Steve Kerrigan from the RCSI.

In addition, researchers were also more extensively studied other bacteria in dental plaque that may have an effect similar to S. Gordonii. "We also try to study the properties of other bacteria that have a relationship with S. Gordonii. Our findings clearly show how important it is to maintain oral hygiene and dental hygiene by brushing teeth regularly," said Dr. Petersen.