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Developing diagnostic tools for canine periodontitis: combining molecular techniques and machine learning models
Avika Ruparell1, Matthew Gibbs2, Alison Colyer2
1Waltham Petcare Science Institute, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, UK. Avika.Ruparell@effem.com.
BMC Veterinary Research
|September 18, 2023
Summary
Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) can detect microbial biomarkers for canine periodontal disease. This molecular technique offers a cost-effective and accurate diagnostic tool for veterinary oral health checks.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary microbiology
- Molecular diagnostics
- Canine health
Background:
- Dental plaque microbes are crucial in canine periodontal disease development.
- High-throughput sequencing has identified bacterial species linked to canine periodontal health and disease.
- Molecular techniques offer opportunities to improve diagnosis during veterinary oral health assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays for detecting microbial biomarkers associated with canine periodontal health and disease.
- To assess the utility of qPCR for quantifying specific bacterial taxa in canine subgingival plaque.
- To evaluate the correlation between qPCR data and high-throughput sequencing results.
Main Methods:
- Developed and validated over 40 qPCR assays targeting specific microbial species.
- Quantified bacterial taxa levels in canine subgingival plaque samples from healthy, gingivitis, and early periodontitis states (PD0, PD1, PD2).
- Compared qPCR outputs with high-throughput sequencing data and applied machine learning models.
Main Results:
- Strong correlations were observed between qPCR and high-throughput sequencing for key taxa, including Capnocytophaga sp. COT-339 (rs=0.805), Peptostreptococcaceae XI [G-4] sp. COT-019 (rs=0.902), and Clostridiales sp. COT-028 (rs=0.802).
- Machine learning models demonstrated promising diagnostic capabilities, with the best models achieving up to 85.7% sensitivity and 80.0% specificity for certain taxa.
- qPCR assays accurately quantified microbial biomarkers across different stages of periodontal health and disease.
Conclusions:
- Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) provides an accurate, sensitive, and cost-effective method for detecting microbial biomarkers in canine periodontal disease.
- The strong correlation with high-throughput sequencing and initial accuracy data suggest qPCR is a viable strategy for developing diagnostic tools.
- This approach holds prospective value for improving the diagnosis and management of periodontal disease in dogs.
