Tannerella forsythia (T. forsythia)

Tannerella forsythia is a Gram-negative, obligately anaerobic bacterium that is a member of the Cytophaga-Bacteroidetes phylum and a key component of the "Red Complex" of periodontal pathogens [1, 2]. It is strongly associated with the development and progression of advanced periodontitis, where it contributes to the destruction of tooth-supporting tissues [2]. The bacterium utilizes a variety of virulence factors, including a unique cell-surface S-layer that aids in adhesion and immune evasion, as well as potent proteases like karilysin and mirolase that degrade host proteins [3, 6]. In clinical practice, T. forsythia is targeted through mechanical periodontal therapy often supplemented with systemic or local antibiotics such as metronidazole and amoxicillin [5]. Beyond oral health, its presence has been linked to systemic inflammatory conditions, including cardiovascular disease and certain cancers [4, 7].

Other names

Bacteroides forsythusTannerella forsythensis

Inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis, protein synthesis, or DNA replication