DNA probe detection of periodontal pathogens

Abstract

The technology for hybridization of nucleic acids using isotopically labeled whole genomic or species‐specific cloned deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) probes for Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Bacteroides intermedius and Bacleroides gingivulis can be used to detect as few as 102 cells of these periodontal pathogens. The sensitivity and specificity of the test is not affected by the presence of 5x 10s unrelated bacteria in constructed mixed culture samples. Current feasibility tests with non‐isotopic reagents also give reliable and rapid detection of these oral pathogens in pure or mixed cultures. DNA probes should prove useful in a rapid, specific, and sensitive assay for these periodontal pathogens.

Proinflammatory and Antimicrobial Nitric Oxide in Gingival Fluid of Diabetic Patients with Periodontal Disease

“…Loosely adherent supragingival plaque in the intercanine sector was gently removed by cotton gauze. A sterile paper point was inserted into the apical extent of periodontal pocket sulcus for 10 s, and after elution and denaturation, samples were analyzed by slot blot analysis for bacterial species, including P. intermedia (Omnigene Laboratory, Cambridge, MA), as described by French et al (6). Questions regarding the sensitivity and specificity of the Omnigene probe for P. intermedia have been raised by van Steenbergen et al (30), who claimed that the Omnigene probe did not distinguish between P. intermedia and Prevotella nigrescens.…”

Potential of Diagnostic Microbiology for Treatment and Prognosis of Dental Caries and Periodontal Diseases

“…Plaque samples are collected by the clinician and sent to the reference laboratory. Quantitation is performed by comparison of the signals generated by the samples with signals obtained with standards, e.g., known quantities of DNA from target micro-organisms (French et al, 1986;Savitt et al, 1988;Dix et al, 1990;Moncla et al, 1990). An automated system based on this technology uses enzymatically tagged DNA probes.…”

Detection of Porphyromonas gingivalis in Oral Plaque Samples by Use of the Polymerase Chain Reaction

“…The methods currently used for detection of specific bacterial pathogens in plaque samples are DNA hybridization (French et at., 1986) and bacterial culture (Savitt et al, 1987). These techniques provide reasonably sensitive and specific measures of the putative pathogens that are present in the periodontal pockets.…”

“…Two techniques, bacterial culture (Savitt et al, 1987) and DNA hybridization (French et al, 1986;Lippke et al, 1991), are currently available for testing the presence of periodontal pathogens. The culture system is advantageous in that antibiotic sensitivity of different pathogens can be performed in order for the appropriate therapy to be determined.…”