Oral interferon alpha treatment significantly reduces halitosis and Porphyromonas gulae growth in dogs with periodontal disease.

Oral IFN-α significantly reduces halitosis and P. gulae in dogs with periodontal disease.

This randomized controlled study evaluated oral interferon alpha (IFN-α) therapy in 32 dogs with moderate-to-severe periodontal disease, comparing 22 treated animals with 10 untreated controls. Dogs received 2.75 g of IFN-α formulation applied to the gingival margin twice weekly for five weeks. Treatment significantly reduced periodontal disease severity, bacterial enzymatic activity (BANA), volatile sulfur compound concentrations (hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan), and halitosis compared to baseline and controls. Notably, 27% of treated dogs converted from P. gulae-positive to P. gulae-negative status. Outcomes were assessed using PD Severity Index, PCR detection of Porphyromonas gulae, gas chromatography analysis, and owner-reported clinical improvement. These findings demonstrate that topical IFN-α effectively reduces halitosis and pathogenic bacterial activity in canine periodontal disease, suggesting potential as a non-invasive therapeutic option. The mechanism likely involves immune modulation and direct antimicrobial effects.

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