Expert in Chronic Bacterial Disease Discusses Oral Bacteria
Dr. Garth Ehrlich, expert researcher on chronic bacterial pathogenesis from Drexel University talks about how some of the most important research he is doing right now is establishing a link between periodontal bacteria and infections of the joints.
Peri-prosthetic joint infections – are the most common reason an artificial joint needs to be removed, a very traumatic procedure. 100% of joint prosthesis replacements result from bacterial pathogens, and in the vast majority of cases there are bacteria present that had come from the mouth. Osteoarthritis – the vast majority of people who have osteoarthritis have gum disease in their joints!
Dr. Ehrlich’s research is looking at whether these periodontal pathogens play a causative or exacerbative role in osteoarthritis.