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Antimicrobial activities of black-pigmented gram-negative anaerobes
C Höhne1, D Neumann, M Jentzsch
1Institute for Medical Microbiology, Martin-Luther-University, Halle, FRG.
Abstract:
The antimicrobial activities of Prevotella intermedia and Porphyromonas gingivalis isolates were tested against other species of Gram-positive and Gram-negative anaerobes as well as against each other. Generally, Pr. intermedia possessed significantly higher antimicrobial activity than P. gingivalis. The strongest activity of P. gingivalis towards Gram-negative anaerobes was directed against Pr. intermedia. Cross-sensitivity between both species was observed with strains from different lesions. Antimicrobial activity towards strains of the same species was detected only with Pr. intermedia. No correlations were found between plasmid content and antimicrobial activity. It was concluded that the inhibitory potency of Pr. intermedia could be one reason for the high proportion of black-pigmented Gram-negative anaerobes in the subgingival flora of periodontitis lesions.
Insights
Prevotella intermedia exhibits stronger antimicrobial activity than Porphyromonas gingivalis, potentially explaining its prevalence in periodontitis lesions. This study investigated inter- and intra-species inhibition among oral anaerobes.
Area of Science:
- Oral microbiology
- Periodontal disease pathogenesis
- Antimicrobial resistance
Background:
- Prevotella intermedia and Porphyromonas gingivalis are key Gram-negative anaerobes implicated in periodontitis.
- Understanding inter-species interactions is crucial for elucidating subgingival flora dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the antimicrobial activities of Prevotella intermedia and Porphyromonas gingivalis isolates.
- To investigate their inhibitory effects on other oral anaerobes and on each other.
- To explore potential correlations between antimicrobial activity and plasmid content.
Main Methods:
- Antimicrobial activity assays were performed using Prevotella intermedia and Porphyromonas gingivalis isolates.
- Testing included activity against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative anaerobic species.
- Cross-sensitivity and intra-species activity were assessed, alongside plasmid profiling.
Main Results:
- Prevotella intermedia demonstrated significantly greater antimicrobial activity compared to Porphyromonas gingivalis.
- Porphyromonas gingivalis showed its strongest inhibition against Prevotella intermedia among Gram-negative anaerobes.
- Antimicrobial activity against strains of the same species was observed only with Prevotella intermedia.
Conclusions:
- The potent inhibitory capacity of Prevotella intermedia may contribute to its high prevalence in the subgingival flora of periodontitis lesions.
- Inter-species inhibition plays a role in structuring the complex microbial communities in periodontal pockets.
- Plasmid content did not correlate with the observed antimicrobial activities in these isolates.