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Molecular analysis of Peptostreptococcus micros isolates from patients with periodontitis
C X Alpha1, J M Guthmiller, H E Cummings
1Dows Institute for Dental Research, College of Dentistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242, USA.
Background:
Recent studies provide strong evidence implicating Peptostreptococcus micros in the pathogenesis of various oral infections, including oropharyngeal abscesses and periodontal disease. To date, very little is known regarding the role of P. micros in periodontal disease. Therefore, a genetic analysis was initiated to differentiate among strains of P. micros infecting periodontal patients.
Methods:
Sixty DNA samples of P. micros isolated from 15 patients with periodontal disease were evaluated. Arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reactions (AP-PCR) were performed using primer 3 (AGTCAGCCAC) and primer 13 (CAGCACCCAC). The PCR products were analyzed by gel electrophoresis.
Results:
The primers produced several unique patterns among the strains tested. Primer 3 resulted in 30 different patterns, whereas primer 13 resulted in 31 different patterns, which were distinct from those seen with primer 3. In 8 of 15 patients, the PCR profile was identical for all isolates cultured from that patient, indicating a clonal infection. In 4 of 15 patients, 2 different genotypes were identified. In the remaining 3 patients, all isolates cultured from these patients exhibited a unique genotype.
Conclusions:
While P. micros appears to be heterogeneous throughout a population of periodontal patients, each patient is, for the most part, infected with a limited number of genotypes. These results demonstrate the genetic diversity of P. micros and the usefulness of AP-PCR for future epidemiological studies in understanding the role P. micros plays in periodontal disease pathogenesis.
Insights
Peptostreptococcus micros shows genetic diversity in periodontal disease patients. Most patients harbor a limited number of P. micros genotypes, suggesting clonal infections are common. Arbitrarily primed PCR aids in studying this oral pathogen.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Oral Health
Background:
- Peptostreptococcus micros is implicated in oral infections like periodontal disease.
- The specific role and strain diversity of P. micros in periodontal disease remain largely unknown.
- Genetic analysis is crucial for differentiating P. micros strains in infected patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To genetically differentiate strains of Peptostreptococcus micros isolated from periodontal disease patients.
- To investigate the genotypic heterogeneity and clonal nature of P. micros infections in the oral cavity.
Main Methods:
- DNA samples from 60 P. micros isolates from 15 periodontal disease patients were analyzed.
- Arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction (AP-PCR) was performed using two distinct primers.
- PCR products were analyzed via gel electrophoresis to assess genetic patterns.
Main Results:
- AP-PCR generated numerous unique genetic patterns, with primer 3 yielding 30 and primer 13 yielding 31 distinct profiles.
- Clonal infections were indicated in 8 of 15 patients, where all isolates shared an identical PCR profile.
- Multiple genotypes (2 or unique) were identified in 7 of 15 patients, highlighting strain diversity.
Conclusions:
- Peptostreptococcus micros exhibits significant genetic diversity across periodontal patients.
- Individual patients are typically infected with a limited number of P. micros genotypes.
- AP-PCR is a valuable tool for epidemiological studies on P. micros and its role in periodontal disease pathogenesis.