To investigate alterations in the oral microbiome of patients with radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA), identify microbial taxa associated with disease status and structural progression, and explore potential links between oral microbiota composition and systemic immunological profiles.
Key Findings:
R-axSpA patients exhibited altered oral microbiome composition compared to controls.
Alpha diversity was comparable between groups, but specific taxa such as Actinobacteria and Spirochaetes were enriched in r-axSpA patients.
Key periodontal pathogens, including Porphyromonas gingivalis and Actinomyces species, were more abundant in the r-axSpA group.
Certain microbial taxa correlated with the severity of sacroiliitis and systemic pro-inflammatory cytokines, suggesting a potential link to inflammation.
Interpretation:
The findings suggest a distinct proinflammatory oral microbiome profile in r-axSpA patients, indicating a potential link between oral dysbiosis and systemic inflammation, which may have implications for disease management.
Limitations:
The cross-sectional design limits causal inferences.
Sample size may restrict the generalizability of findings.
Observational nature limits the ability to establish causality.
Conclusion:
Oral dysbiosis may play a role in the modulation of systemic inflammation in r-axSpA, highlighting the oral microbiome as a potential source of biomarkers or therapeutic targets.
