Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Sulfur compounds from Porphyromonas bacteria in dogs' mouths
By Noriyuki Ito et al.·Published in Veterinary Sciences·2023·Laboratory of Small Animal Internal Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada 034-8628, Japan, CH·View original on DOAJ →
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Original publication title: Volatile Sulfur Compounds Produced by the Anaerobic Bacteria <i>Porphyromonas</i> spp. Isolated from the Oral Cavities of Dogs
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study found that dogs with periodontal disease often have bad breath (halitosis) due to bacteria in their mouths, specifically a type called Porphyromonas. These bacteria produce smelly compounds that can harm the gums and teeth. The main culprit, Porphyromonas gulae, was shown to produce large amounts of hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan, which are responsible for the foul odor. Addressing periodontal disease through dental cleanings and proper oral care can help reduce these bacteria and improve your dog's breath and overall dental health.
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Abstract
<i>Porphyromonas</i> spp. are oral anaerobic Gram-negative bacteria that form black-pigmented colonies on blood agar and produce volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), such as hydrogen sulfide (H<sub>2</sub>S), methyl mercaptan (CH<sub>3</sub>SH), and dimethyl sulfide ((CH<sub>3</sub>)<sub>2</sub>S), which cause halitosis and the destruction of periodontal tissues. <i>P. gulae</i> is considered the main pathogen involved in periodontal disease in dogs. However, the characteristics of the VSCs produced by <i>P. gulae</i> are unknown. In the present study, VSCs were measured in 26 isolates of <i>P. gulae</i> and some isolates of the other <i>Porphyromonas</i> spp. obtained from the oral cavities of dogs with periodontal disease using an in vitro assay with an Oral Chroma<sup>TM</sup> gas chromatograph. The results demonstrated that <i>P. gulae</i> was able to produce large amounts of H<sub>2</sub>S and CH<sub>3</sub>SH, and the dominant product was CH<sub>3</sub>SH (CH<sub>3</sub>SH/H<sub>2</sub>S was approximately 2.2). Other <i>Porphyromonas</i> spp. that were also obtained from the oral cavities of dogs with periodontal disease indicated similar levels of production of H<sub>2</sub>S and CH<sub>3</sub>SH to those of <i>P. gulae</i>. It is strongly suggested that the high levels of H<sub>2</sub>S and CH<sub>3</sub>SH produced by <i>P. gulae</i> and other <i>Porphyromonas</i> spp. contribute to halitosis and the destruction of periodontal tissues during the progression of periodontal disease in dogs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10080503