INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Examination) Practice Exam

Defective neutrophil chemotaxis leads to what condition?

1. Aggressive periodontitis

2. Chronic gingivitis

3. Tooth decay

4. Oral thrush

The correct answer is: Aggressive periodontitis

Defective neutrophil chemotaxis can lead to aggressive periodontitis. Neutrophils play a crucial role in the immune response against bacterial infections, particularly in the oral cavity. When neutrophil chemotaxis is impaired, the ability of neutrophils to migrate towards sites of infection and effectively combat bacteria is compromised. This can result in a dysregulated inflammatory response and can contribute to the development of aggressive periodontitis, a severe form of periodontal disease characterized by rapid destruction of the periodontal tissues and loss of supporting bone around the teeth. In contrast, chronic gingivitis is primarily caused by the accumulation of plaque and is typically due to poor oral hygiene habits rather than defects in neutrophil function. Similarly, tooth decay is primarily caused by the demineralization of enamel by bacterial acids and is not directly related to neutrophil chemotaxis. Oral thrush, also known as oral candidiasis, is a fungal infection caused by Candida species and is not associated with defective neutrophil chemotaxis.