Oral Microbiome in Carotid Atherosclerosis

The goal of this observational study, called OMICA (Oral Microbiome in Carotid Atherosclerosis), is to learn how bacteria living in the mouth may influence the development and stability of plaques in the carotid arteries, which supply blood to the brain. Plaque buildup in these arteries can lead to stroke. Researchers want to understand whether certain oral bacteria are linked to plaque vulnerability, meaning a higher chance that the plaque will rupture and cause a stroke. The study will include a cohort of adults scheduled for carotid endarterectomy at Semmelweis University. Participants will be enrolled in the Semmelweis University Carotid Biobank project. The main questions the study aims to answer are: Do people with more severe gum disease or tooth infection have a higher number of bacteria in their carotid plaques, and are those plaques more likely to rupture? Are the bacteria