A case-control study of periodontal diseases related to Porphyromonas gingivalis in cats
Authors: Hadimas B. Pratama, Widagdo S. Nugroho, Ida Tjahajati
Ger. J. Vet. Res
2025.
vol. 5, Iss. 1
pp:88-94
Doi: https://doi.org/10.51585/gjvr.2025.1.0122
Abstract:
Porphyromonas (P.) gingivalis is a bacterium known to cause chronic periodontal disease in cats. However, no epidemiological studies have been conducted to assess the prevalence of periodontal diseases related to P. gingivalis in Indonesia. This study aimed to identify the factors influencing the development of periodontal diseases in cats associated with P. gingivalis infection. A total of 170 cats from the Yogyakarta special region in Indonesia were involved, divided into case and control groups. The case group included 85 cats with periodontal disease, while the control group included 85 cats without periodontal disease, all examined by veterinarians from 11 animal clinics and hospitals in the region. Dental plaque samples were collected using sterile cotton swabs, and P. gingivalis was identified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Based on PCR, 81/85 and 57/85 samples from the case and control groups, respectively, were tested positive. Several risk factors for periodontal disease were identified, including age >3 years (odds ratio [OR] 8.25; p=0.001; CI, 3.66–18.56), wet and dry feed combination (OR, 11.63; p= 0.001; CI, 5.63–23.99), dry food (OR, 0.13; p= 0.001; CI, 5.63–23.99) and presence of P. gingivalis in the teeth (OR, 9.95; p= 0.001; CI, 3.31–29.92). In contrast, feeding exclusively dry food was associated with a reduced risk of periodontal disease (OR 0.13; p=0.001; 95% CI, 5.63–23.99). These findings suggest that age >3 years, a combination of wet and dry feeding, and the presence of P. gingivalis are significant risk factors for periodontal disease in cats, while dry food feeding may reduce the risk of disease.
Keywords:
Cat, Periodontal diseases, Risk factors, Porphyromonas gingivalis
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