Molecular genetic detection of Bacteroides heparinolyticus in adult periodontitis

Bacteroides heparinolyticus in subgingival plaque was identified using a digoxigenin-labeled whole genomic DNA probe and a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay based on 16S rRNA species-specific primers (5'-ATG GTG ATT CCG CAT GGT TTC TCC-3' (base position, 188-212) and 5'-CAA ACT TTC ACA GCT GAC TTA AGC-3' (592-615)). Subgingival specimens obtained by paper points from 3 deep periodontal pockets in each of 113 adults were examined. The DNA probe reacted with all pure isolates tested of B. heparinolyticus and did not react with other oral species tested; the probe showed positive reactions in 74.3% of the patient samples examined. The PCR primers produced the 428 bp species specific amplification product in all B. heparinolyticus test strains and did not reveal detectable amplicons with strains of other subgingival species. The PCR method detected 50 B. heparinolyticus cells dispersed in subgingival plaque. PCR only revealed B. heparinolyticus in 6.2% of the patient samples studied. The higher level of positive specimens with the DNA probe was probably due to false-positive reactions from cross-hybridization with unknown subgingival species. This study suggests that the PCR method amplifying specific 16S rRNA sequences represents an easy and valuable means to detect B. heparinolyticus in subgingival plaque. The low prevalence of subgingival B. heparinolyticus does not incriminate the organism in the etiology of adult periodontitis.