DOI: 10.36347/sajb.2017.v05i12.010

Pages: 881-884

Periodontal disease results from an interaction between the host’s defense mechanisms and the microorganisms that constitute the dental plaque biofilm. Therefore, the progression and severity of the disease are strongly modulated by dysfunctions in cellular immune responses, particularly, T cell responses. These dysfunctions can be reflected through blood parameters such as CD4:CD8 ratio, absolute eosinophil count and complete blood count, measurement of which can provide insight into the disease process. The aim of the present study is to comparatively evaluate the differences in CD4:CD8 ratio in the peripheral blood, absolute eosinophil count and complete blood picture in healthy subjects and chronic periodontitis patients. 10 subjects with clinically healthy periodontium and 10 patients with moderate to severe chronic periodontitis were recruited from the outpatient department of Periodontics, Sri Sai College of Dental Surgery, Vikarabad. Following a comprehensive periodontal examination, 5 mL of non-fasting blood was obtained by venipuncture from each participating subject. Blood samples was processed and analyzed for values of CD 4: CD 8 ratio, absolute eosinophil count, and a complete blood picture that includes Hemoglobin, RBC count, MCV, MCH, MCHC, Total WBC count, Differential leukocyte count, and platelet count. Results were evaluated with appropriate statistical analysis. The mean values of CD8 counts were higher in test group. The mean values of CD3, CD4, CD4/CD8 ratio, and AEC were higher in control group. Although there were differences in the mean values, the difference was not statistically significant. The immune responses that contribute to the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases are complex and variable. Many of these responses may be restricted to the site of infection. Smaller sample size of the present study, warrants further studies with larger samples to confirm the results of the present study.