Associations Between Oral Microbiota Pathogens and Elevated Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms in Men

Abstract

Systemic inflammation is associated with depression. Certain oral bacterial species contribute to inflammation; however their potential association with mental disorders remains unclear. This study investigated the associations between oral microbiota pathogens and depressive and anxiety symptoms. Data came from 436 men from the Geelong Osteoporosis Study. Oral microbiota was characterized using 16S rRNA sequencing, and an oral pathogen composite was created comprising Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Prevotella nigrescens species relative abundances. Binary variables were created representing elevated depressive and anxiety symptoms using the Hospi..