Selective and easy detection of the Porphyromonas gingivalis fimA type II and IV genes by loop-mediated isothermal

Masae Kitagawa1, Kazuhisa Ouhara2, Hiroko Oka3

  • 1Center of Oral Clinical Examination, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan.

Insights

A new Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) method rapidly detects Porphyromonas gingivalis fimbrillin (fimA) types II and IV. This sensitive and specific technique aids in identifying periodontitis-associated bacteria in clinical samples.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Dental Research

Background:

  • Porphyromonas gingivalis fimbrillin (fimA) types II and IV are key factors in periodontitis and linked to systemic diseases.
  • Accurate and rapid detection of these specific fimA types is crucial for diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and validate a rapid, selective, and sensitive Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) method for detecting Porphyromonas gingivalis fimA types II and IV.
  • To assess the prevalence of fimA types II and IV in dental plaque samples from periodontitis patients.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) with specific primers for fimA types II and IV.
  • Evaluated specificity against related oral pathogens and sensitivity using known DNA concentrations and bacterial cell counts.
  • Applied the LAMP method to dental plaque samples from periodontitis patients.

Main Results:

  • The LAMP method demonstrated high specificity, amplifying only target fimA types and not other bacterial DNA.
  • Sensitivity was high, detecting as few as 1000 DNA molecules or 100 bacterial cells.
  • In dental plaque samples, fimA type II was detected in 4.5% and type IV in 13.6% of patients.
  • Simultaneous detection of both fimA types II and IV was achieved using multiplex primers.

Conclusions:

  • A selective, rapid, and sensitive LAMP method for detecting Porphyromonas gingivalis fimA types II and IV has been established.
  • This LAMP assay is suitable for clinical applications, including the analysis of dental plaque.
  • The method allows for simultaneous detection of both fimA types, enhancing diagnostic efficiency.

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