Researchers have found that periodontitis-causing P. gingivalis bacteria can trigger a pathway that causes reactivation of latent HIV-1, the virus that causes AIDS. P. gingivalis is among the most widely existent bacteria worldwide. Findings were presented April 3 in Miami at a meeting of the International & American Association for Dental Research.
The results suggest that periodontal disease might contribute to the systemic dissemination of HIV and emphasize the essential role of maintaining oral hygiene and controlling oral diseases to help prevent AIDS, according to background information in a news release from the association.

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The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has additional information about HIV/AIDS