and canine periodontal disease: Current understanding and future directions.

has emerged as a notable pathogen in canine periodontal disease, akin to in human periodontitis. This review examines the initial isolation, phylogenetic analysis, habitat, host range, relationships with host health status and age, and key pathogenic determinants, including fimbriae, proteases, citrullinating enzyme, and lipopolysaccharide. Control strategies discussed include polyphosphate to disrupt haeme/iron utilization, clindamycin with interferon alpha to reduce bacterial load and enhance the immune response, and a protease inhibitor. Further research is needed to understand strain-level diversity of virulence factors and interactions between and other oral bacteria, particularly , a common pathogen in both dogs and humans. The potential for interspecies transmission between dogs and humans warrants further research into these interactions. Extensive studies across various breeds are crucial to validate the effectiveness of proposed treatment strategies. This review emphasizes 's role in periodontal health and disease, setting the stage for future research and improved management of canine periodontal disease.