DNA probe detection of key periodontal pathogens in juveniles

Recognition of juvenile forms of periodontitis have been shown to be directly linked with specific Gram-negative rods, primarily Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Bacteroides gingivalis and Bacteroides intermedius. However, clinical application of these laboratory findings have generally been restricted to the research environment. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship of these three pathogenic species in children using the reliable and accurate new technology of DNA probes. Results indicated that the pathogenic oral flora did not differ significantly between subjects with and without gingival inflammation. Therefore, tracking of pathogens using clinical parameters of inflammation are unreliable and accurate monitoring requires microbiological testing in order to properly identify the presence or absence of pathogens.