Investigating the population of Fusobacterium nucleatum
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigation of the distribution of Fusobacterium nucleatum subspecies in plaque and saliva samples in patients with and without periodontal disease
IRAS ID
320521
Contact name
Kitty Guo
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Dundee
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 6 months, 1 days
Research summary
The bacteria in our mouths are the biggest component of our oral microbiome. Increasingly, oral bacteria have been identified as having a role in disease in distant sites of the body, including Alzheimer's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, infective endocarditis and various cancers. This project is investigating the role of one species, Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) and its role in extra oral diseases including bowel cancer and adverse pregnancy outcomes. We will initially focus on investigating whether or not patients with periodontal diseases may have an altered risk of developing bowel cancer based on the genetic profile of the bacteria, compared with healthy individuals.
To do this, we have already established effective methods of sample collection, DNA extraction of bacteria, genome sequencing of bacteria and downstream analysis from a pilot study using volunteer saliva and plaque samples. The next phase of this project is to collect plaque and saliva samples from individuals with periodontal diseases, before commencing treatment. Adult patients attending Dundee Dental Hospital and Research School, with a diagnosis of a periodontal disease will be eligible.
Patients will be selected following a diagnosis of a periodontal disease. Following this, a plaque sample and a saline rinse will be collected from the patients at the time of their appointment. Samples will be anonymised. The length of the study is 3 years.REC name
London - Queen Square Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/PR/0180
Date of REC Opinion
15 Apr 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion