Generalized juvenile periodontitis: report of a familial case followed for 5 years

The case of a family, followed for 5 years and showing an exceptionally high prevalence of Generalized Juvenile Periodontitis (GJP), is presented. Two siblings were affected by a severe form of GJP meanwhile the dycorial twin of one was periodontally healthy. Both the affected siblings showed infection by Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), but only one presented a reduced chemotaxis of the peripheral PMNs. The dycorial twin consistently displayed a freedom from Aa and a reduction in the peripheral PMNs chemotaxis. The extraction of the compromised teeth in the two affected siblings has been followed by colonization of new sites by Aa; only repeated administration of systemic tetracyclines seems to protect the subjects from colonization of other sites. These findings may contribute to the understanding of the etiology, pathogenesis, and therapy of juvenile periodontitis.