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Coaggregation between Porphyromonas gingivalis and Treponema denticola
M Onagawa1, K Ishihara, K Okuda
1Department of Microbiology, Tokyo Dental College, Chiba, Japan.
The Bulletin of Tokyo Dental College
|November 1, 1994
Summary
Porphyromonas gingivalis and Treponema denticola coaggregate, suggesting their combined presence in periodontal pockets may drive disease. This interaction is key to understanding periodontal pathogen ecology.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Oral Biology
- Periodontology
Background:
- Periodontal disease is linked to specific bacterial species.
- Understanding inter-bacterial interactions is crucial for disease pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the coaggregation and growth inhibition between Porphyromonas gingivalis and various oral Treponema species.
- To elucidate the ecological role of P. gingivalis and T. denticola in periodontal pockets.
Main Methods:
- In vitro coaggregation assays using visual and phase-contrast microscopy.
- Hemagglutinin activity testing and effects of environmental factors (serum, saliva, sugars, amino acids).
- Growth inhibition studies using stab culture methods.
Main Results:
- P. gingivalis coaggregated with T. denticola and T. socranskii subspecies socranskii.
- P. gingivalis hemagglutinin agglutinated T. denticola.
- T. denticola and T. vincentii inhibited growth of some P. gingivalis strains.
Conclusions:
- Coaggregation between P. gingivalis and T. denticola highlights their potential synergistic role in periodontal pockets.
- Bacterial interactions, including coaggregation and growth inhibition, are significant factors in periodontal disease development.