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apaH polymorphism in Clinical Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans isolates.
M Saarela1, S Asikainen, S Alaluusua
1Institute of Dentistry, University of Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Finland. Maria.Saarela@VTT.fi
Anaerobe
|August 5, 2006
Summary
The study investigated Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A. actinomycetemcomitans) apaH gene variations in relation to serotypes and periodontal health. Serotype c and a subset of serotype e isolates showed distinct genetic profiles, unrelated to periodontal status.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Periodontology
Background:
- Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A. actinomycetemcomitans) is implicated in periodontal disease.
- Understanding genetic diversity within A. actinomycetemcomitans is crucial for disease pathogenesis research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the apaH gene polymorphism in clinical A. actinomycetemcomitans isolates.
- To correlate these genetic variations with isolate serotype and the periodontal status of the host subjects.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 122 A. actinomycetemcomitans isolates (serotypes a-e) from 103 periodontally healthy and diseased individuals.
- ApaH polymorphism was assessed using PCR amplification, restriction analysis, and sequencing.
Main Results:
- ApaH PCR products were obtained from all isolates, but restriction patterns varied.
- Serotype c and genogroup 2 (within serotype e) formed distinct genetic clusters.
- Serotypes a, b, d, and genogroup 1 (within serotype e) were genetically similar based on apaH analysis.
- No correlation was found between apaH restriction patterns and the periodontal status of the subjects.
Conclusions:
- A. actinomycetemcomitans serotype c isolates represent a genetically uniform and distinct group.
- A subpopulation of serotype e isolates exhibits significant genetic divergence from other A. actinomycetemcomitans strains.
- ApaH polymorphism does not appear to be directly linked to the periodontal status of individuals in this study.