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Subgingival microbiota in healthy, well-maintained elder and periodontitis subjects
A D Haffajee1, M A Cugini, A Tanner
1Department of Periodontology, Forsyth Dental Center, Boston, MA, USA.
Journal of Clinical Periodontology
|July 3, 1998
Summary
Four specific bacterial species, including Bacteroides forsythus and Porphyromonas gingivalis, were significantly more prevalent in adult periodontitis patients, suggesting their role in the disease etiology.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Periodontology
- Genomics
Background:
- Periodontitis is a common inflammatory disease affecting the gums and supporting bone.
- Subgingival bacterial colonization is a key factor in periodontitis development.
- Understanding the prevalence of specific bacteria in different periodontal states is crucial for etiological insights.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the site prevalence of 40 subgingival bacterial species in periodontally healthy individuals, elders with well-maintained periodontium, and adult periodontitis patients.
- To identify specific bacterial species associated with adult periodontitis.
Main Methods:
- Subgingival plaque samples were collected from 203 subjects (healthy, elders, periodontitis).
- Checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization was used to detect and quantify 40 subgingival taxa.
- Clinical parameters including pocket depth and attachment level were assessed.
Main Results:
- Bacteroides forsythus, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, and Selenomonas noxia showed significantly higher prevalence in periodontitis subjects.
- B. forsythus prevalence was 40% in periodontitis vs. 10% in healthy subjects (p<0.001).
- P. gingivalis, T. denticola, and S. noxia also demonstrated significantly increased prevalence in periodontitis patients.
Conclusions:
- B. forsythus, P. gingivalis, T. denticola, and S. noxia are strongly associated with adult periodontitis.
- These species may play a significant etiologic role in the development of adult periodontitis.