Abstract

Filifactor alocis, a fastidious, Gram-positive, obligate anaerobic bacterium, is a newly appreciated member of the periodontal community, which is now proposed to be a diagnostic indicator of periodontal disease. Its pathogenic characteristics are highlighted by its ability to survive in the oxidative-stress rich environment of the periodontal pocket and to significantly alter the microbial community dynamics by forming biofilms and interacting with several oral bacteria. Currently, there is incomplete information on the pathogenic mechanism(s) and a possible dynamic functional role of F. alocis in the dysbiotic microbial community. Because the stress response of this bacterium to the oxidative environment of the periodontal pocket may affect its pathogenicity, an understanding of its oxidative stress resistance strategy is vital. This introduction explores the recent advancements and future directions for F. alocis research specifically focusing on the potential mechanism(s) for oxidative stress resistance. The goal is to identify the role of specific genes and their involvement in the oxidative stress mechanism(s) of F. alocis. The overall objective of this study is to gain an understanding of the potential virulence factors of F. alocis to evaluate their relative significance in the pathogenicity in the context of the polymicrobial synergy and dysbiosis model.

LLU Discipline

Microbiology and Molecular Genetics

Department

Basic Sciences

School

School of Medicine

First Advisor

Hansel M. Fletcher

Second Advisor

Eileen Brantley

Third Advisor

So Ran Kwon

Fourth Advisor

Mark S. Johnson

Fifth Advisor

Ubaldo Soto

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Degree Level

Ph.D.

Year Degree Awarded

2021

Date (Title Page)

11-2021

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Filifactor alocis; Periodontal Diseases; Oxidative Stress; Bacteria, Anaerobic; Virulence Factors; Microbiota; Biofilms

Type

Dissertation

Page Count

xvi, 197 p.

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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