S91. P. Gingivalis and Cardinal Symptoms of Depression

Strong evidence implicates periodontal disease in cardiovascular and metabolic disease. Given associations between inflammation and periodontal disease, and the increasing evidence for immune-neuropsychiatric links we hypothesize that periodontal disease can also contribute to onset, exacerbation and perpetuation of mood disorders. As Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) is the bacteria with the highest etiological implication in periodontal disease, we hypothesized that we will identify an association between the titers for P gingivalis and clinical estimates of depression. We performed the study in the Old Order Amish, considering the poor dental health estimates, the virtual absence of smoking (a strong confounder in periodontitis) and being generally less heterogeneous in lifestyle.