Intra‐familial transmission and distribution of Prevotella intermedia and Prevotella nigrescens

Abstract

The periodontal bacteria Prevotella intermedia and Prevotella nigrescens have been recently separated from each other. The purpose of this study was to investigate the distribution and routes of transmission of these bacteria among family members. Seven patients with moderate to severe periodontitis were selected. These probands, their spouses and 14 of their children were investigated. The presence of Pr. intermedia and Pr. nigrescens was determined by culture techniques in pooled subgingival plaque samples, in the saliva, on the tongue, tonsils and buccal mucosa. Differentiation of Pr. intermedia and Pr. nigrescens was performed by enzyme electrophoretic mobility. From all 7 patients, as well as 4 spouses and 3 of the children, Pr. intermedia could be isolated. Pr. nigrescens was found in 2 of the 7 patients, in 5 of the spouses and in 5 of the 6 children aged 5-10 yr. In the 8 children aged 0-4 yr both species were seldom isolated. These data are in accordance with earlier findings that Pr. intermedia is associated with periodontitis and Pr. nigrescens with a relatively healthy periodontal condition. Ribotyping of bacteria was performed by hybridization of HindIII restriction endonuclease digests of chromosomal DNA with ribosomal DNA. Isolates from unrelated individuals always had distinct ribotypes. Indistinguishable ribotypes of Pr. intermedia and Pr. nigrescens were found both among married couples and among parents and children. This indicates that intrafamilial transmission of Pr. intermedia and Pr. nigrescens is possible both between adults and between parents and children.

Clinical and Microbiological Evaluation of the Periodontal Status of Children with Unilateral Complete Cleft Lip and Palate

“…Similarly, Conrads et al (1996) detected only P. nigrescens from preschool children up to young adults with a normal periodontium. Among those authors making use of molecular biology techniques who found both bacteria, P. nigrescens has been more prevalent (Van Steenbergen et al, 1997;Fukui et al, 1999).…”

Effects of single‐visit full‐mouth ultrasonic debridement versus quadrant‐wise ultrasonic debridement

“…It was also suggested that the main source of periodontal pathogens re‐emerging after periodontal treatment may be the own oral flora of the patient, although the role of an extra‐oral source cannot be totally ruled out (Danser et al 1996, Von Troil‐Linden et al 1996). The possibility of bacterial transmission, which may occur intra‐ or extra‐orally, has been reported extensively (Alaluusua et al 1991, Von Troil‐Linden et al 1995, Quirynen et al 1996, 2001, Greenstein & Lamster 1997, van Steenbergen et al 1997). With the existing evidence of intra‐ and extra‐oral transmission of bacteria, it may be assumed that the interval between weekly/fortnightly appointments in quadrant‐wise treatment provides an opportunity for periodontal pathogens residing in untreated pockets and other extra‐dental sites to translocate to the treated pockets.…”

Distribution of the tetracycline resistance determinant tetQ gene in oral isolates of black‐pigmented anaerobes in Japan

“…Another black‐pigmented species, P. intermedia , has been reclassified to P. intermedia and Prevotella nigrescens (22). Although the two species possess similar biochemical properties, several studies have reported that P. intermedia was associated with periodontal diseases, while P. nigrescens was found in the healthy gingival sulcus of adults (15, 27) and children (16, 30), or in endodontic infections (5, 6, 8).…”