[Ultrastructure and properties of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans]

In this study, plaque samples taken from periodontal pockets were cultured on Tryptic-soy-serum-bacitracin-vancomycin agar and identified according to colony morphology, Gram stain, catalase reaction and nitrate reduction tests after an incubation of 48 hours in candle jar. Cells identified as Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans were evaluated under the transmission electron microscope for fine structure. Outer membrane was observed as an irregular structure containing microcapsules. Unlike previous studies, periplasmic space was observed separately from other layers. Cytoplasmic membrane was observed surrounded by an electron-opaque cytoplasm. Besides, extracellular vesicles were seen extending to the outer environment around cytoplasmic membrane. Pathogenic properties of organelles were discussed. As a result, it was concluded that, in the future studies, products released and structural alterations occurring during growth of the organism, their pathologic effects and ways to suppress them need to be investigated microbiologically, ultrastructurally and biochemically.