Progression of attachment loss is strongly associated with presence of the JP2 genotype of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans: a prospective cohort study of a young adolescent population

Aim: To assess the progression of attachment loss (AL) during a 2-year period according to the presence of JP2 and non-JP2 genotypes of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in a Ghanaian adolescent population. MethodsA total of 500 adolescents (mean age 13.2years, SD1.5) were enrolled in the study. After 2years, 397 (79.4%) returned for a periodontal re-examination, including the measurement of AL. The carrier status of the JP2 and non-JP2 genotypes of A. actinomycetemcomitans was evaluated in a baseline examination 2years earlier. ResultsIndividuals who carried the JP2 genotype of A. actinomycetemcomitans had a significantly increased risk [relative risk (RR)=7.3] of developing AL3mm. The mean AL at the follow-up and the mean 2-year progression of AL were significantly higher in the JP2 genotype-positive group (n=38) compared with the group positive for the non-JP2 genotypes of A. actinomycetemcomitans (n=169), and the group of A. actinomycetemcomitans-negative individuals (n=190). The JP2 genotype was strongly associated with the progression of AL3mm (OR=14.3). The non-JP2 genotypes of A. actinomycetemcomitans were also, however, less pronounced, associated with the progression of AL3mm (OR=3.4). Conclusion: The JP2 genotype of A. actinomycetemcomitans is strongly associated with the progression of AL.