Yeasts in juvenile periodontitis. Preliminary observations by scanning electron microscopy

Through the use of the electron microscope, yeasts were found invading gingival connective tissue in juvenile periodontitis (JP). Samples (3-mm punch biopsies, including epithelium and underlying connective tissue) were taken apically to periodontal pockets before and after patient treatment with spiramycin. Some samples underwent in vitro treatment with spiramycin. Oval and round yeast cells were found before and after in vivo and after in vitro spiramycin treatment. Larger numbers of yeast cells were seen after spiramycin treatment indicating that their growth might be favored after patient treatment with this antibiotic. This observation has an obvious clinical implication. Budding processes, indicating active yeast multiplication, were observed. Some yeast cells also showed the presence of glycocalyx. Further studies on the role of yeast in the pathogenesis of JP are necessary.