Pregnancy gingivitis is characterized by an increase in which bacteria?

Pregnancy gingivitis is specifically associated with an increase in the bacteria Prevotella intermedia. This condition occurs due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, which can alter the oral microbiome and inflammatory response, leading to an environment that favors the proliferation of certain bacteria. Prevotella intermedia is known to be a key player in the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases, including gingivitis, especially during pregnancy when progesterone and estrogen levels rise, influencing both vascular permeability and immune responses.

The bacteria implicated in other choices are not primarily associated with pregnancy gingivitis. For example, Streptococcus sanguinis is part of the normal oral flora but is not specifically linked to the condition. Actinomyces naeslundii is also a commensal organism that does not show the same increase during pregnancy. Neisseria gonorrhoeae, while a significant pathogen, is not related to periodontal diseases or pregnancy gingivitis at all, as it typically causes sexually transmitted infections rather than oral conditions. Thus, the association of Prevotella intermedia with increased inflammation and periodontal issues during pregnancy makes it the correct answer.