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NCT01568697From ClinicalTrials.govRecruiting

Oral Bacteria and Immune System Problems Involved in Gum Disease (Periodontitis)

Oral Microbial and Immunological Characterization of Patients With Immune Dysfunction

  • Immunosuppression
  • Periodontal Disease
  • Healthy Subjects
  • Healthy Volunteer

At a glance

Phase
Phase not stated
Study type
Observational
Sponsor
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)
Enrolment target
700
Started
5 October 2012
Main results due
Not stated
Study sites
1
Registry updated
28 September 2026

Can you take part?

  • Ages 7 years to 100 years.
  • Open to any sex.
  • Healthy volunteers can take part.

These are the headline rules only. Every study has a longer list, and whether you are eligible is decided by the research team at the site — never by this page.

Read the full eligibility criteria
* INCLUSION CRITERIA:

Subjects with Genetic Immune Defects:

Patients with a known genetic immune defect will be eligible for screening inclusion under this protocol.

* Diagnosed with a genetic immune defect
* Willing to allow genetic testing

  * 7 years old

Subjects with Severe Periodontitis of Suspected Genetic Etiology:

* History of severe periodontitis prior to age \<30
* Willing to allow genetic testing

  -\>=7 years old
* In good general health

Family members of Subjects with Severe Periodontitis of Suspected Genetic Etiology:

-Willing to allow genetic testing

-\>=7 years old

Healthy Volunteer Subjects (with/without periodontitis):

* In good general health

  -\>=18 years old
* Willing to allow genetic testing
* Have a minimum of 20 natural teeth

Inclusion Criteria for Natural History phase, all subjects:

* Diagnosis of genetic immune defect
* Presence of oral manifestation (primarily periodontitis)

Criteria for standard of care treatment:

* Active untreated disease (visible signs of tissue inflammation including erythema/edema, generalized bleeding upon probing)
* Periodontal disease defined as bone loss of \>=5mm as measured on periodontal exam.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

All Subjects:

* History of Hepatitis B or C
* History of HIV
* Prior radiation therapy to the head or neck
* Have an active malignancy except localized basal or squamous cell carcinoma of the skin
* Have been treated with systemic chemotherapeutics or radiation therapy within 5 years of screening
* Pregnant or lactating
* If participation in the protocol would not be safe or in the subject s best interest in the opinion of either the PI or the primary medical team.

Additional Exclusions for Healthy Volunteers:

* Diagnosis of diabetes and/or HbA1C level \>6%
* More than 3 hospitalizations in the last 3years
* Have an autoimmune disorder such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc.
* In the 3 months before study enrollment, have used any of the following:

  * Systemic (intravenous, intramuscular, or oral) antibiotics
  * Oral, intravenous, intramuscular, intranasal, or inhaled corticosteroids or other immunosuppressants (e.g., cyclosporine)
  * Cytokine therapy
  * Methotrexate or immunosuppressive chemotherapeutic agents
  * Large doses of commercial probiotics (\>=10\^8 colony-forming units or organisms per day); includes tablets, capsules, lozenges, chewing gum, or powders in which a probiotic is a primary component; ordinary dietary components such as fermented beverages/milks, yogurts, and foods do not apply
* Have used tobacco products (including e-cigarettes) within 1 year of screening
* Unwillingness to consent to oral biopsy
* NIH employees working in the Oral Immunity and Inflammation Unit and members of the Clinical Research Core Team will not be eligible for enrollment.

Additional Exclusions for Standard of Care Treatment at NIH:

* Mild/moderate non-active disease (absence of active inflammatory lesions)
* Subjects with urgent/complex restorative needs (ex. severe active carious lesions/fractured dentition)
* Subjects in need for advanced prosthetic needs (including implants and restorations)

What this study is about

In the sponsor’s own words, from the registry.

Background:

\- Gum disease is a condition in which the tissue around the tooth root becomes swollen and infected. This condition can cause tooth loss if it is not treated. Who gets gum disease and how bad it will be depends on (1) the different bacteria in the mouth and (2) how the immune system of an individual handles these bacteria. Researchers want to look at the oral bacteria and genetic immune problems of different people to learn how these affect gum disease and other conditions of the mouth.

Objectives:

\- To study how immune system problems may lead to problems in the mouth, including gum disease.

Eligibility:

* Children and adults at least 7 years of age who have genetic problems with their immune system. * Healthy adults that have periodontal disease * Health adults that do not have periodontal disease

Design:

* This study will involve a screening visit and a study visit. * Participants will be screened with a medical history, blood work and a full oral and dental exam, including dental x-rays and photos. * The study visit will involve collection of blood, urine, and other samples, including saliva, plaque, and gum swabs. Any abnormal tissue will sampled for a biopsy. Additional oral and dental exams will be performed. Participants will also answer questions about any current medical or dental problems.

Study sites(1)

  • National Institutes of Health Clinical Center

    Bethesda, Maryland, United States

    Recruiting

Showing 1 of 1 sites. 1 of the 1 site on this study is recruiting right now — a site can stop enrolling while the study as a whole is still open.

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov record NCT01568697. Trialion does not run this study, is not paid to refer anyone to it, and cannot enrol you. Eligibility is always decided by the research team at the site.

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Oral Bacteria and Immune System Problems Involved in Gum Disease (Periodontitis) | Trialion