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Sampling of periodontal pathogens by paper points: evaluation of basic parameters
B Hartroth1, I Seyfahrt, G Conrads
1Klinik für Zahnerhaltung, Parodontologie und Präventive Zahnheilkunde, Universitätsklinik Aachen, Germany.
Oral Microbiology and Immunology
|November 7, 1999
Summary
Paper points are crucial for collecting oral samples to detect periodontal pathogens. This study found that ISO 45 paper points, a 60-second sampling time, and a 20-second elution time optimize bacterial collection for improved diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Periodontology
- Diagnostic Science
Background:
- Paper points are standard tools for collecting subgingival plaque and oral samples to identify periodontal pathogens like Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis.
- Despite frequent use, critical parameters influencing the efficiency of paper point sampling remain underexplored, hindering optimal diagnostic accuracy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of paper point manufacturer, size (ISO standards), sampling duration, and elution time on the collection efficiency of periodontal pathogenic bacteria.
- To identify optimal parameters for paper point usage to enhance the reliability of microbiologically based diagnostics for periodontal diseases.
Main Methods:
- In vitro experiments were conducted using standardized bacterial suspensions of A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis.
- Paper points from five different manufacturers were tested, varying in size (ISO 25-80), sampling times (5-60 s), and elution times (5-60 s).
- Bacterial detection and quantification were performed using 16S rRNA/DNA-directed oligonucleotide probes, with bacterial load categorized using an index from 0 to 9.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in bacterial sampling efficiency were observed among the five paper point manufacturers, with a mean bacterial index ranging from 4.4 to 7.8.
- Paper points conforming to ISO 45 standards demonstrated the highest sampling efficiency.
- Optimal sampling time was found to be 60 seconds, though times between 5 and 30 seconds showed comparable efficiency. An elution time of 20 seconds proved most effective for bacterial recovery.
Conclusions:
- Paper point manufacturer and size (ISO 45) significantly influence bacterial sampling efficiency for periodontal pathogens.
- Optimizing sampling (60 s) and elution (20 s) times enhances bacterial recovery from paper points.
- These findings provide crucial data for standardizing paper point usage, potentially improving the accuracy of microbiological diagnostics in periodontal disease management.