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[Distribution of enzymatically pathogenic bacteria from periodontal pocket in advancing periodontitis]

J Inoue1, H Fukushima, T Onoe

  • 1Department of Bacteriology, Osaka Dental University.

Insights

Bacteroides species, particularly Bacteroides gingivalis and Bacteroides intermedius, isolated from periodontal pockets, produce enzymes like collagenase, plasmin, and lipase, contributing to periodontitis exacerbation.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Periodontology

Context:

  • Periodontitis is a complex oral disease.
  • Bacterial virulence factors are crucial in disease progression.

Purpose:

  • To investigate the enzymatic activities of bacterial strains isolated from periodontal pockets.
  • To identify specific Bacteroides species responsible for key enzyme production.

Summary:

  • 527 strains from periodontal pockets were screened for 9 enzymatic activities.
  • Collagenase, plasmin, and lipase activities were detected in 28, 26, and 22 strains, respectively.
  • Bacteroides gingivalis and Bacteroides intermedius were identified as significant producers of these enzymes, with B. gingivalis producing all collagenase and B. intermedius producing lecithinase and lipase.

Impact:

  • Bacteroides species, especially B. gingivalis and B. intermedius, play a significant role in periodontitis exacerbation through their enzymatic activities.
  • Understanding these virulence factors can inform targeted therapeutic strategies for periodontitis.

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