Evaluation of periodontitis in hospital outpatients with major depressive disorder. A focus on gingival and circulating cytokines.

An imbalance in stimulated cytokine production is associated with the etiopathogenesis of numerous diseases such as major depressive disorder (MDD) and periodontal disease. Increased cytokine levels have been reported in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of patients with MDD. Thirty-six outpatients with MDD participated in this study. Each outpatient was age-matched (± 3 years) with a healthy control (n=36). The patients were controlled for race and smoking habits. Unstimulated and stimulated interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß), and interferon-γ (INF-γ) production in whole blood culture (WBC) and IL-6 and IL-1ß levels in the GCF were evaluated. Circulating levels of IL-6 and IL-1ß (unstimulated) as well as GCF IL-1ß were modestly lower in MDD patients, compared to the levels in age-matched controls (Mann-Whitney, p=0.002, 0.0075, ANCOVA, p=0.025, respectively). In the unstimulated group, there was no correlation between the levels of circulating IL-6 and GCF IL-6 (r=0.07, p=0.67), and between the levels of circulating IL-1ß and the IL-1ß level in the CGF (r=-0.08, p=0.63). In the LPS stimulation group, there was no correlation between the levels of circulating levels of IL-6 and GCF IL-6 (r=0. 02, p=0.91) or between the circulating IL-1ß and GCF IL-1ß (r=0.13, p=0.42). We observed modest immunosuppression in MDD patients (evaluated by no stimulation whole blood culture [WBC]), especially in patients with melancholic depression, chronic depression, and severe depression.

Scaling and Root Planning decreases the Number of Melanosomes within Keratinocytes in Human Gingiva: Ultrastructural Analysis of Three Cases.

AIM: The aim of the present report was to evaluate the number of melanosomes within keratinocytes on pigmented gingiva, after and before scaling and root planning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Inflamed gingiva biopsies were taken from three patients (group 1). Forty days after scaling and root planning, biopsies were collected from the homologous contralateral areas (group 2). Samples were fixed in 2% glutaraldehyde-2.5% formaldehyde (freshly prepared from paraformaldehyde) in 0.1 M sodium cacodylate buffer, pH 7.4 for 4 hours, and then processed for transmission electron microscopy. Eighty electron micrographs were evaluated for recording the number of granules by a cross-section grid. The granules that were on intersections were recorded as well as the points that appeared on the cytoplasm for calculating the volumetric density (Vd), i.e the volume that the melanosomes occupied into the cytoplasm of keratinocytes. The presence of melanosomes in different stages of maturation and distribution into the cells were recorded with the aid of a magnifying glass. For the statistical analysis, a student t-test was applied. RESULTS: Results of the present report showed that melanosomes within keratinocytes were present in a higher number in inflamed gingiva A (11.08 ± 1.47), B (3.16 ± 0.38) and C (4.92 ± 0.89) and decreased after resolving of gingival inflammation A (9.46 ± 0.88), B (1.73 ± 0.25) and C (0.76 ± 0.18). CONCLUSION: There is a possibility that inflammation influences the intensity of gingival melanin pigmentation. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The periodontal treatment appears to have an effect on gingival melanin pigmentation.

Subgingival ultrasonic instrumentation of residual pockets irrigated with essential oils: a randomized controlled trial.

AIM: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of subgingival ultrasonic instrumentation irrigated with essential oils (EOs) of residual periodontal pockets. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-four individuals with chronic periodontitis were invited to participate in this randomized, double-blind, parallel, and placebo-controlled clinical trial. All subjects received non-surgical periodontal therapy. After re-evaluation (baseline), residual pockets (pocket depth ≥5 mm) received test (ultrasonic instrumentation irrigated with EOs) or control therapy (ultrasonic instrumentation irrigated with negative control). Probing pocket depth (PPD), gingival recession (R), clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP), and plaque were assessed at baseline and after 4, 12, and 24 weeks. Differences between groups and changes over the course of time were analysed according to a generalized linear model. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in PPD and BOP, as well as a significant CAL gain in the two groups (p<0.001). Nevertheless, there were no differences between the groups at any time of the study. When only initially deep pockets (PPD ≥7 mm) were analysed, a significantly greater CAL gain (p=0.03) and PPD reduction (p=0.01) was observed in the test group. CONCLUSION: The adjunctive use of EOs may promote significant CAL gain and PPD reduction in deep residual pockets.

Herpes viruses in periodontal compromised sites: comparison between HIV-positive and -negative patients.

AIM: The objective of this study was to compare the frequency of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in subgingival plaque, saliva and peripheral blood of HIV-positive and-negative patients with periodontal disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty HIV-positive subjects (23 with gingivitis, 27 with periodontitis) and 50 healthy HIV-negative patients with chronic periodontitis were included in the study. Parameters of probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival index and plaque index were recorded. The samples were processed for viral identification by the nested polymerase chain reaction technique. RESULTS: HCMV was the most prevalent virus in HIV-positive (82%) and-negative patients (84%), and the detection in the three samples was similar (p>0.05). HSV-1 was the least prevalent virus in both groups, being detected in similar frequencies in oral sites and in peripheral blood. EBV-1 was found more frequently in saliva and subgingival plaque of HIV-positive patients than in HIV-negative patients (p< or =0.05). CONCLUSIONS: EBV-1 was more frequently recovered in oral sites of HIV-positive patients than in HIV-negative patients.

Local delivery of chlorhexidine gluconate in patients with aggressive periodontitis.

The aim of this randomized, controlled, single-blinded trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of a biodegradable chlorhexidine chip as an adjunctive therapy to scaling and root planing. Eleven consecutive patients with aggressive periodontitis were recruited for this study. Each volunteer provided four sites with probing depth > or = 5 mm. Two sites received scaling and root planing (SRP) and placement of the chlorhexidine chip (PC), and the other two sites received scaling and root planing only. The clinical outcomes were measured at baseline, 6 weeks and 3 months after treatment. All patients completed the trial. None of the volunteers reported any adverse effect. Both groups showed a significant reduction in periodontal pocket depth (PPD) and gain in clinical attachment level (CAL) after treatment. However, there were no significant differences in the clinical parameters between the groups after 6 weeks and after 3 months. Sites presenting probing depths > or = 8 mm at baseline treated with SRP + PC demonstrated greater reduction in PPD and a greater CAL gain than sites treated with SRP alone after 6 weeks and after 3 months. The authors concluded that the adjunctive use of the biodegradable chlorhexidine chip resulted in greater reduction of PPD and additional gain in CAL in deep pockets (PPD > or = 8 mm) in patients with aggressive periodontitis when compared to scaling and root.

Early dental plaque formation on toothbrushed titanium implant surfaces.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the qualitative and quantitative differences on dental plaque formation on two different roughness titanium implant surfaces, i.e. machined and titanium plasma sprayed, as well as the amount of plaque removal by regular toothbrushing after 72-hour plaque accumulation. METHODS: Eight systemically healthy subjects were recruited from the patient pool of a private dental practice. All patients underwent oral hygiene instruction and full mouth prophylaxis. Subsequently, maxillary casts from all patients were obtained and removable 0.7 mm-thick acetate stents without occlusal contact points were fabricated to support four titanium specimens of 4 x 2 x 2 mm divided into two groups (machined and plasma sprayed). Subjects were instructed to wear the stents for 72 hours, full time, removing them only during regular oral hygiene. Subsequently, the appliances were immediately repositioned and then the test side was brushed for 20 seconds. At the end of the 72-hour period, the stents were removed and prepared for microbiological analysis. RESULTS: Both machined and plasma sprayed brushed surfaces presented statistically significant fewer bacteria than non-brushed surfaces. Similarly, regarding surface roughness, machined surfaces presented a total number of bacteria significantly smaller than those presented by plasma sprayed surfaces (P < 0.05). Statistically, the non-brushed machined turned surfaces presented a greater amount of Streptoccocus sp. when compared to the brushed machined surfaces. It was concluded that rough surfaces accumulated more dental plaque than polished surfaces. Both brushed surfaces presented less plaque accumulation, however, implant brushing was more effective on machined surfaces.

Analysis of IL-1A(-889) and TNFA(-308) gene polymorphism in Brazilian patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis.

Generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAP) comprises a group of periodontal diseases characterized by the rapid destruction of periodontal tissues which affect young individuals who generally present no systemic disorders. Polymorphisms in the interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) genes have been associated with an increased severity of chronic periodontitis. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the association between IL-1A (-889) and TNFA (-308) gene polymorphisms and GAP. One hundred nonsmoking subjects were selected, including 30 with GAP and 70 without periodontal disease. Gene polymorphisms were analyzed by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. For IL-1 (-889), the frequency of genotype 1/1 was 54.3% in the control group and 56.7% in the study group. The frequency of genotype 1/2 was 37.1% in the control group and 40% in the study group. Genotype 2/2 was detected at a frequency of 8.6% and 3.3% in the control and study groups, respectively. For TNFA, genotype 1/1 was present in 68.6% of control subjects and in 80.0% of patients with GAP, while the frequency of genotype 1/2 was 27.1% in the control group and 20% in the study group. Genotype 2/2 was present in 4.3% of control subjects and was not detected in the study group. The frequencies of allele 1 and allele 2 of the IL-1A (-889) gene were 72.9% and 27.1%, respectively, in the control group and 76.7% and 23.3% in the GAP group. For the TNFA (-308) gene, the frequency of allele 1 was 82.15% in the control group and 90% in the study group, whereas the frequency of allele 2 was 17.85% in the control group and 10% in the study group. Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference in allele distribution for either gene between the two groups. No association was observed between GAP and IL-1A (-889) and TNFA (-308) gene polymorphisms in Brazilian patients.

Effectiveness of a triclosan/copolymer dentifrice on dental plaque and gingivitis in Brazilian individuals with cerebral palsy.

This randomized clinical trial investigated the effect of a dentifrice containing triclosan on the reduction of dental plaque and gingivitis in institutionalized individuals with cerebral palsy. Fifty-seven residents were randomly allocated to a test group (n=28, dentifrice with triclosan) and a control group (n=29, conventional dentifrice). A single calibrated investigator performed examinations at baseline and after three months. The amount of dental plaque was assessed, and gingivitis was measured. The caretakers performed brushing with dentifrice. After three months, there was a significant reduction in the plaque index in both groups, but there was no difference between the two groups. There was a significant reduction in gingivitis only in the test group, and the difference between groups was significant after three months. The authors concluded that the dentifrice with triclosan reduced interdental bleeding in the studied population.

Relationship of subgingival and salivary microbiota to gingival overgrowth in heart transplant patients following cyclosporin A therapy.

BACKGROUND: Severe gingival overgrowth (GO) is induced in patients taking cyclosporin A (CsA) following organ transplantation. Determining which patient will develop GO is still not possible. The purpose of this study was to establish an association between CsA and gingival overgrowth in heart transplant patients taking into account periodontal and microbiological conditions. METHODS: Thirty patients (10 female, 20 male; range: 13 to 67 years; mean age: 44.89) undergoing CsA treatment were evaluated using the gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL). Subgingival samples collected from the deepest site of each quadrant and saliva samples were submitted to microbial analysis. All patients had at least 12 teeth. Exclusion criteria were the use of antibiotics and/or having undergone periodontal treatment 6 months prior to the study. Patients were divided in two groups: with gingival (GO+) and without gingival overgrowth (GO-). RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the GO+ and GO- groups when CsA dosage, time since transplant, GI, PI, PD, and CAL were compared. Microbiological examination of the subgingival samples detected the following microorganisms: Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (23%), Porphyromonas gingivalis (36%), Prevotella intermedia (93%), Fusobacterium sp. (66%), Campylobacter rectus (30%), Micromonas micros (66%), enteric rods (0%), and yeasts (30%). A positive association between M. micros and the GO+ group was found (P < 0.001). Yeasts were detected in 30% of the subgingival and saliva samples. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical parameters were not sufficient to determine which patients would develop GO. However, colonization by M. micros might play a role in the etiology of GO.

Microbiologic and radiographic analysis of ligature-induced peri-implantitis with different dental implant surfaces.

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to evaluate microbiota and radiographic peri-implant bone loss associated with ligature-induced peri-implantitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six dental implants with 4 different surfaces (9 commercially pure titanium, 9 titanium plasma-sprayed, 9 hydroxyapatite, and 9 acid-etched) were placed in the edentulous mandibles of 6 dogs. After 3 months with optimal plaque control, abutment connection was performed. On days 0, 20, 40, and 60 after placement of cotton ligatures, both microbiologic samples and periapical radiographs were obtained. The presence of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia/nigrescens, Campylobacter spp, Capnocytophaga spp, Fusobacterium spp, beta-hemolytic Streptococcus, and Candida spp were evaluated culturally. RESULTS: P intermedia/nigrescens was detected in 13.89% of implants at baseline and 100% of implants at other periods. P gingivalis was not detected at baseline, but after 20 and 40 days it was detected in 33.34% of implants and at 60 days it was detected in 29.03% of dental implants. Fusobacterium spp was detected in all periods. Streptococci were detected in 16.67% of implants at baseline and in 83.34%, 72.22%, and 77.42% of implants at 20, 40, and 60 days, respectively. Campylobacter spp and Candida spp were detected in low proportions. The total viable count analysis showed no significant differences among surfaces (P = .831), although a significant difference was observed after ligature placement (P < .0014). However, there was no significant qualitative difference, in spite of the difference among the periods. The peri-implant bone loss was not significantly different between all the dental implant surfaces (P = .908). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that with ligature-induced peri-implantitis, both time and periodontal pathogens affect all surfaces equally after 60 days.

Lethal photosensitization in microbiological treatment of ligature-induced peri-implantitis: a preliminary study in dogs.

This pilot study evaluated, by culture testing, the effectiveness of lethal photosensitization for the microbiological treatment of peri-implantitis in dogs. Experimental peri-implantitis was induced by ligature placement for 2 months. Following ligature removal, plaque control was instituted by scrubbing with 0.12% chlorhexidine daily for 12 months. Subsequently, mucoperiosteal flaps were elevated for scaling the implant surface. Microbial samples were obtained with paper points before and after treatment of implant surfaces by means of 100 microg/ml toluidine blue O (TBO,) and were exposed, for 80 s, to light with a wavelength of 685 nm from a 50 mW GaAlAs diode laser. The mean initial and final bacterial counts were 7.22 +/- 0.20 and 6.84 +/- 0.44 CFU/ml, respectively for TVC (P < 0.0001); 6.19 +/- 0.45 and 3.14 +/- 3.29 CFU/ml for P. intermedia/nigrescens (P = 0.001); 5.98 +/- 0.38 and 1.69 +/- 2.90 CFU/ml for Fusobacterium spp. (P = 0.001); and 6.07 +/- 0.22 to 1.69 +/- 2.94 CFU/ml for beta-hemolytic Streptococcus (P = 0.0039). It may be concluded that lethal photosensitization resulted in a reduction of the bacterial count. Complete elimination of bacteria was achieved in some samples.

Effect of a 0.5% chlorhexidine gel on dental plaque superinfecting microorganisms in mentally handicapped patients.

A randomized clinical trial was conducted to investigate the effect of a 0.5% chlorhexidine (CHX) gel on dental plaque superinfecting microorganisms in mentally handicapped patients. Thirty inmates from the institution "Casas André Luiz" were assigned to either test group (CHX gel, n = 15) or control group (placebo gel, n = 15). The gel was administered over a period of 8 weeks. Supragingival plaque samples were collected at baseline, after gel use (8 weeks) and 16 weeks after baseline. The presence of Gram-negative Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcus and yeasts was evaluated. No significant growth of any superinfecting microorganism was observed in the CHX group, when compared to the placebo group. The results indicated that the 0.5% chlorhexidine gel did not produce an undesirable shift in these bacterial populations.

Clinical effect of a herbal dentifrice on the control of plaque and gingivitis: a double-blind study.

The aim of this randomized, double-blind clinical trial was to evaluate the effect of the Paradontax dentifrice on the reduction of plaque and gingivitis. Subjects were randomly allocated into either the test group (n = 15, Paradontax) or the control group (n = 15, standard dentifrice with fluoride). Plaque levels were measured using the Turesky modification of the Quigley & Hein Plaque Index (PI), and gingivitis was evaluated with the Gingival Index (GI). Subjects were asked to brush their teeth with the allocated dentifrice, three times a day, for 21 days. There was no significant difference between groups in relation to the PI and GI medians, at baseline and at the end of the 21-day period. There was no significant reduction in PI in either the test or control groups. There was a significant decrease in GI in the test group. The authors concluded that there was no difference between the dentifrices in the reduction of plaque and gingivitis.

Incidence of tacrolimus-induced gingival overgrowth in the absence of calcium channel blockers: a short-term study.

AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and severity of gingival overgrowth (GO) induced by tacrolimus (Tcr) compared with ciclosporin A (CiA) in the absence of calcium channel blockers (CCB) in renal transplant recipients. METHODS: Forty patients (20 Tcr and 20 CiA) were evaluated before and 30 and 90 days after kidney transplantation. Demographic (age, gender) and periodontal parameters were recorded for all patients. Patients taking CCB at any time during the study were excluded from the investigation. RESULTS: The mean GO score was significantly lower (p=0.014) in the Tcr group (6.4%) compared with the CiA group (17.9%) after 90 days of immunosuppressive therapy. At 90 days post-transplant, clinically significant GO was observed in four patients of the CiA group and in two of the Tcr group. This difference was not statistically significant (0.66). CONCLUSION: No significant difference in the incidence of clinically significant GO was observed between the CiA and Tcr groups up to 90 days of immunosuppressive therapy.

Occurrence of Porphyromonas gingivalis in patients with periodontitis in Brazil

A proposta deste estudo foi avaliar a ocorrência de P. gingivalis em pacientes com periodontite no Brasil e investi-gar se existe associação entre sua ocorrência com gênero e faixa etária. Análise foi realizada em 1386 resultados de exames microbiológicos de amostras da microbiota subgengival de pacientes com periodontite. Coleta foi realizada por periodontistas em clínicas privadas e processadas por cultura em laboratório clínico de microbiologia oral. O teste qui-quadrado foi usado para verificar a associação da ocorrência de P. gingivalis com gênero e faixa etária. Foi observado que 59% dos exames foram realizados em mulheres e 41% em homens, com a maioria dos indivíduos apre-sentando 40 anos ou mais de idade (64,3%). A ocorrência de P. gingivalis foi de 17,8%. Não houve diferença quanto à presença desta bactéria nas diferentes faixas etárias, mas houve ocorrência significativamente mais alta nos homens. Foi observado que, apesar da faixa etária, a ocorrência de P. gingivalis foi sempre maior nos homens. Foi concluído que a ocorrência de P. gingivalis em pacientes com periodontite no Brasil foi de 17,8% sendo associada com gênero, mas não associada com faixa etária.

Bacteroides forsythus: sensibilidade a antimicrobianos em amostras de pacientes portadores de periodontite / Bacteroides forsythus: sensitivity to antimicrobial agents in samples from patients with periodontitis

Os autores realizaram teste de sensibilidade antimicrobiana in vitro (técnica de diluiçäo em ágar) para 105 cepas de B. forsythus obtidas de pacientes portadores de periodontite. de acordo com o teste realizado, o microrganismo demonstrou ser sensível ao metronidazol (100 por cento das cepas testadas) e à amoxicilina (94 por cento das cepas testadas), enquanto 72 por cento e 65 por cento das cepas foram susceptíveis à tetraciclina e ciprofloxacina, respectivamente. O metronidazol e a amoxicilina parecem ser os antimicrobianos indicados para o tratamento de infecçöes periodontais nas quais B. forsythus seja o patógeno predominante

Clinical effect of a herbal dentifrice on the control of plaque and gingivitis. A double-blind study / Efeito clínico de um dentifrício herbal no controle de placa e gengivite. Estudo duplo-cego

O objetivo deste ensaio clínico aleatório duplo-cego foi avaliar o efeito do dentifrício Paradontax na redução de placa e gengivite. Os sujeitos da pesquisa foram aleatoriamente arrolados em grupo teste (n = 15, Paradontax) e grupo controle (n = 15, dentifrício convencional com flúor). A quantidade de placa foi aferida por meio do Índice de Placa de Quigley & Hein modificado por Turesky (IP), e o grau de gengivite, pelo Índice Gengival (IG). Os participantes foram orientados a escovar os dentes com o dentifrício três vezes ao dia, por 21 dias. Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos com relação aos valores medianos de IP e IG no início do estudo e após 21 dias. Não houve redução significativa no IP dos grupos teste e controle. No entanto, houve uma redução significativa no IG no grupo teste. Os resultados levaram à conclusão de que não houve diferença entre os dois dentifrícios com relação à redução de placa e gengivite

Controle químico do biofilme dentário supragengival: revisão de literatura / Chemical control of supragingival dental biofilm

A remoção mecânica da placa bacteriana é a forma mais utilizada de higiene bucal. Entretanto, muitos indivíduos não apresentam destreza e motivação suficientes para realizar uma correta higienização. Assim, o uso complementar de agentes químicos tem sido estudado como um modo de superar as deficiências na higiene bucal. O objetivo deste trabalho foi apresentar uma revisão sobre o uso de produtos para higiene bucal contendo agentes químicos destinados ao controle da placa bacteriana supragengival. Foram revisados estudos in vitro e ensaios clínicos dos seguintes agentes químicos: clorexidina, óleos essenciais, triclosan, cloreto de cetilpiridínio e novos produtos como delmopinol e dióxido de cloro. Os autores concluem que diversos estudos demonstram a eficácia de enxaguatórios contendo clorexidina e óleos essenciais, assim como dentifrícios contendo triclosan. No entanto, mais estudos são necessários para comprovar a eficácia dos demais agentes químicos.

Effect of a 0.5 percent chlorhexidine gel on dental plaque superinfecting microorganisms in mentally handicapped patients

A randomized clinical trial was conducted to investigate the effect of a 0.5 percent chlorhexidine (CHX) gel on dental plaque superinfecting microorganisms in mentally handicapped patients. Thirty inmates from the institution "Casas André Luiz" were assigned to either test group (CHX gel, n = 15) or control group (placebo gel, n = 15). The gel was administered over a period of 8 weeks. Supragingival plaque samples were collected at baseline, after gel use (8 weeks) and 16 weeks after baseline. The presence of Gram-negative Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcus and yeasts was evaluated. No significant growth of any superinfecting microorganism was observed in the CHX group, when compared to the placebo group. The results indicated that the 0.5 percent chlorhexidine gel did not produce an undesirable shift in these bacterial populations

Superinfecting microorganisms in patients under treatment with cyclosporin-A and its correlation to gingival overgrowth

A proposta deste trabalho foi identificar a presença de microrganismos superinfectantes (bastonetes entéricos Gram-negativos e Candida spp.) em pacientes transplantados cardíacos e correlacionar com a presença de crescimento gengival. Foram examinados 30 pacientes (10 mulheres e 20 homens - média 45 anos). Todos os pacientes estavam sob terapia com ciclosporina-A (CsA) sem ter sido submetidos a antibioticoterapia e nem a tratamento periodontal prévio, por pelo menos três meses do início do estudo. O paciente deveria ter, no mínimo, seis dentes. Foram registrados os índices de placa bacteriana (IP), índice gengival (IG), valores de profundidade clínica de sondagem (PCS) e nível clínico de inserçäo (NCI). Análise microbiológica foi realizada a partir de amostras coletadas do sulcobolsa (sb) gengival e da saliva estimulada (se). Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: com crescimento gengival (CCG) e sem crescimento gengival (SCG). Após análise estatística (Teste do Qui-quadrado; teste t de Student; Prova exata de Fisher; p0,05), concluiu-se que näo houve diferença entre os dois grupos de pacientes com relaçäo ao sexo dos pacientes, dosagem de CsA, tempo decorrido após o transplante, IP, IG, PCS e NCI. O exame microbiológico das amostras coletadas mostrou a ausência de bastonetes entéricos Gram-negativos. Foi possível a detecçäo de Candida spp. (sb-30 por cento e se-30 por cento), na amostra de saliva estimulada e a presença deste microrganismo estava associada aos pacientes SCG