Selenomonas noxia

Selenomonas noxia is a bacterium primarily found in the human oral cavity. While it is part of the normal microbiome, its overgrowth can indicate a shift toward pathogenic conditions. 

Selenomonas noxia has been linked to periodontal disease, obesity, metabolic disorders, and broader systemic inflammatory conditions. 

What is Selenomonas noxia?

Selenomonas noxia is a Gram-negative, anaerobic bacterium linked to the development and progression of periodontal disease, especially when combined with other harmful bacteria. It is also associated with oral inflammation.

S. noxia plays a role in the progression of gum disease by disrupting the balance of the oral microbiome, which in turn triggers inflammation. 

Selenomonas noxia, Obesity and Systemic Inflammation

Selenomonas noxia has been linked to obesity, as it is more common in overweight and obese individuals. This bacterium can break down fibers that most people can’t digest, which helps increase calorie extraction from food. This process may contribute to the development and persistence of obesity.

Additionally, S. anoxia is also associated with systemic inflammation. It may be involved in broader inflammation that affects the whole body, especially in people living with obesity. 

The connection between poor oral health, inflammation, and chronic conditions including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity, indicates that this bacterium might influence the body's overall health and disease risk, not just oral health.

Its presence in both the oral cavity and systemic circulation highlights the need for clinicians to consider it when evaluating patients with chronic inflammatory conditions.

Who Should Get Tested?

Several patient groups may benefit from Selenomonas noxia testing:

Patients with Periodontal Disease Symptoms

Those experiencing gum inflammation, bleeding, or persistent bad breath may have elevated levels of Selenomonas noxia. Testing helps confirm the bacterial load and guide appropriate treatment.

Obesity or Metabolic Disorders

As a contributor to systemic inflammation, high levels of Selenomonas noxia may indicate an increased risk for conditions like obesity, which is also associated with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. Testing for S. noxia may aid in managing patients with these conditions.

Chronic Inflammatory Conditions

Elevated levels of S. noxia may occur in individuals with autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular conditions, or other chronic inflammatory diseases. Testing for Selenomonas noxia might provide additional insights into their systemic inflammatory status.

Preventive Screening

For patients with a family history of periodontal disease or systemic inflammatory conditions, preventive screening for Selenomonas noxia may help detect early imbalances, allowing for timely interventions.

Test Procedure and Interpretation

Testing for Selenomonas noxia is often conducted using saliva samples. Selenomonas noxia can be tested by extracting DNA from saliva samples and using a quantitative PCR (qPCR) method to help clinicians assess the microbial composition in the patient’s oral cavity. 

No specific preparation is usually required, though some protocols may suggest avoiding recent antimicrobial treatments to ensure accurate results. Always consult with the ordering provider or laboratory company to confirm test preparation.

Normal Reference Ranges

Normal ranges are determined by comparing a patient’s results to a healthy baseline of oral microbiota. Always consult the laboratory company used for recommended reference ranges.

Clinical Significance of Elevated Levels

Elevated levels of Selenomonas noxia are associated with periodontal disease and systemic inflammation. In the oral cavity, high levels of this bacterium contribute to gum disease progression, tissue damage, and inflammation, exacerbating periodontal conditions. 

Clinicians should closely monitor these levels in patients with oral health issues to guide treatment decisions.

Beyond the oral cavity, elevated Selenomonas noxia levels reflect heightened systemic inflammation, which is linked to obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic dysfunction. 

In patients with metabolic syndrome or chronic inflammatory conditions, testing for Selenomonas noxia can offer valuable insights into the broader inflammatory landscape, informing management strategies for oral health and its links with obesity-related inflammation and other systemic health concerns.

Clinical Significance of Decreased Levels

Low levels of Selenomonas noxia are generally seen in healthy individuals, indicating a balanced oral microbiome and a lower risk for periodontal disease and systemic inflammation. 

However, extremely low levels may suggest disruption due to excessive antimicrobial use. 

Chronic antimicrobial treatments can alter the microbiome, leading to imbalances that could impact overall health. In such cases, clinicians should assess the patient's treatment history and consider alternatives to excessive antibiotic use, keeping in mind the broader effects on microbiome health.