Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 1, 2026

In Situ Detection of Bacteria within Paraffin-embedded Tissues Using a Digoxin-labeled DNA Probe Targeting 16S rRNA
Published on: May 21, 2015
Can one acquire periodontal bacteria and periodontitis from a family member?
S Asikainen1, C Chen, S Alaluusua
1Department of Periodontology, University of Helsinki, Finland.
Abstract:
Recent findings suggest that two major periodontal pathogenes, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis, are transmitted among family members. The authors discuss the evidence of person-to-person transmission of periodontal bacteria, the significance of saliva as a vehicle of transmission and the methods of verifying clonal similarity of bacterial strains obtained from family members. The authors also discuss the prophylactic and therapeutic implications of the person-to-person spread of periodontal bacteria.
Related Concept Videos
Teeth
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...
Bacterial Phylum Spirochaetes
The Oral Microbiota
Development of the Oral Microbiota
Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract
Colonisation of Pathogens

