DNA probe detection of periodontal pathogens in HIV-associated periodontal lesions

Recent studies have shown that an atypical gingivitis and a rapidly progressive periodontal disease may be early-occurring opportunistic infections associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. This study examined the prevalence of selected periodontal pathogens associated with these HIV-related periodontal lesions. Subgingival plaque samples were obtained from both HIV-seronegative and HIV-seropositive homosexual men and from presumably uninfected heterosexual men. DNA probes were used to detect Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Bacteroides intermedius, Bacteroides gingivalis, Eikenella corrodens and Wolinella recta in the plaque. The healthy sites in both the seronegative and seropositive homosexual groups showed a greater prevalence of all test bacteria, except for E. corrodens, than did the heterosexual group. HIV-associated periodontitis sites showed a microbial profile qualitatively similar to that of conventional periodontitis, except that B. gingivalis was more prevalent in conventional periodontitis. In contrast, HIV-associated gingivitis sites exhibited a greater prevalence of all bacteria tested than conventional gingivitis sites. In fact, HIV gingivitis generally showed a bacterial profile similar to that of the HIV periodontitis lesions, except that W. recta was significantly more prevalent in HIV periodontitis. These data suggest that the HIV gingivitis lesion is a precursor to HIV periodontitis. Thus, early identification and prophylactic treatment of high-risk individuals may prevent the destruction of periodontal tissues.