Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans infection in children: two case reports and a review of the literature.

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), a Gram-negative coccobacillus commonly associated with endocarditis, poses a rare diagnostic challenge in pediatric cases. The presentation of two pediatric cases-myositis and chest mass-highlights novel aspects, including unusual symptom presentations in children which can be mistaken for malignancy. The limited sensitivity of standard blood tests complicates diagnosis, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Representative samples must be taken, especially if blood cultures are negative. Despite advances in detection methods, diagnosing Aa infection remains difficult due to its rarity in children and variable clinical presentation. In conclusion, a comprehensive understanding of Aa infection in children is essential for early and effective diagnostic and therapeutic management.

Effect of quadrantwise versus full-mouth subgingival instrumentation on clinical and microbiological parameters in periodontitis patients: A randomized clinical trial.

AIM: This study evaluated the efficacy of quadrantwise subgingival instrumentation (Q-SI) versus one-stage full-mouth subgingival instrumentation (FM-SI) on probing depth and periodontal pathogen reduction over a 6-month follow-up period, as well as whether baseline periodontal pathogens influenced the impact of periodontal treatment protocols on outcomes. METHODS: Patients with periodontitis were randomized to receive Q-SI (n = 43) or FM-SI (n = 45). Patients were instructed and motivated to maintain optimal oral hygiene during the treatment sessions. Clinical (probing pocket depth [PPD], clinical attachment loss [CAL], and bleeding on probing [BOP]) and periodontal pathogens were assessed at baseline and after 30, 90, and 180 days. Total bacterial load and periodontal pathogens were analysed via real-time PCR. RESULTS: At the 6-month follow-up, the median PPD decreased from 4.8 mm (interquartile range [IQR]: 4.3-5.2) to 2.6 mm (IQR: 2.3-2.9) in FM-SI patients and from 4.7 mm (IQR: 4.1-5.2) to 3.2 mm (IQR: 2.4-3.5) in Q-SI patients (p < .001). At 6 months, FM-SI was more effective at reducing the median proportions of Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Aggregatibacter actinocomyctemcomitans, and Tannerella forsythia (Tf) (p < .001 for each value). Multilevel linear regression analysis demonstrated that high baseline PPD (p = .029), Pg (p = .014), and Tf (p < .001) levels and the FM-SI protocol (p < .001) were statistically significant predictors of PPD reduction at 6 months. Furthermore, PPD reduction was significantly greater in the FM-SI group when lower baseline Pg levels were detected. CONCLUSION: The FM-SI was more effective than the Q-SI in reducing the mean PPD and number of periodontal pathogens in periodontitis patients over a 6-month follow-up period. Higher baseline PPD and Pg levels had a negative impact on PPD reduction at 6 months after FM-SI.

Atypical post-infectious glomerulonephritis with c-ANCA positivity followed by endocarditis.

Post-infectious glomerulonephritis (PIGN), an uncommon variety of glomerulonephritis (GN), is characterized by emergence of nephritic syndrome within a few weeks following an infectious event. PIGN typically presents as a mild condition and tends to resolve by the time of diagnosis for GN. Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans belongs to the HACEK group of bacteria, which constitutes less than 3% of bacteria responsible for community-acquired infective endocarditis. We present a case of 29-year-old man suspected of lymphoma with B-symptoms along with severe splenomegaly and nephromegaly. Shortly after, he developed an episode of nephritic syndrome accompanied by acute kidney injury (AKI) and high titers of cytoplasmic ANCA (c-ANCA)-positivity. Kidney biopsy revealed PIGN with tubulointerstitial nephritis. Despite treatment with antibiotics and corticosteroid, he visited the emergency room due to worsening dyspnea and multi-organ failure. An echocardiogram showed a bicuspid aortic valve with vegetation unseen on previous echocardiogram. He underwent aortic valve replacement immediately without adverse events. Four months after valve replacement, his renal function and cardiac performance have remained stable. We report a case of PIGN with AKI and high titers of c-ANCA appearing later as an infective endocarditis due to Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. With careful clinical observation and appropriate and timely management, satisfactory outcomes for patient health are possible.

Real-Time PCR Method as Diagnostic Tool for Detection of Periodontal Pathogens in Patients with Periodontitis.

The most common type of periodontal disease is chronic periodontitis, an inflammatory condition caused by pathogenic bacteria in subgingival plaque. The aim of our study was the development of a real-time PCR test as a diagnostic tool for the detection and differentiation of five periodontopathogenic bacteria, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Prevotella intermedia, and Treponema denticola, in patients with periodontitis. We compared the results of our in-house method with the micro-IDent® semiquantitative commercially available test based on the PCR hybridization method. DNA was isolated from subgingival plaque samples taken from 50 patients and then analyzed by both methods. Comparing the results of the two methods, they show a specificity of 100% for all bacteria. The sensitivity for A. actinomycetemcomitans was 97.5%, for P. gingivalis 96.88%, and for P. intermedia 95.24%. The sensitivity for Tannerella forsythia and T. denticola was 100%. The Spearman correlation factor of two different measurements was 0.976 for A. actinomycetemcomitans, 0.967 for P. gingivalis, 0.949 for P. intermedia, 0.966 for Tannerella forsythia, and 0.917 for T. denticola. In conclusion, the in-house real-time PCR method developed in our laboratory can provide information about relative amount of five bacterial species present in subgingival plaque in patients with periodontitis. It is likely that such a test could be used in dental diagnostics in assessing the efficacy of any treatment to reduce the bacterial burden.

The efficacy of diode laser and subgingival air polishing with erythritol in treatment of periodontitis (clinical and microbiological study).

BACKGROUND: There is insufficient clinical and microbiological evidence to support the use of diode laser and air-polishing with erythritol as supplements to scaling and root planning(SRP). The aim of the current study is to evaluate the clinical and microbiologic efficacy of erythritol subgingival air polishing and diode laser in treatment of periodontitis. METHODS: The study encompassed twenty-four individuals seeking periodontal therapy and diagnosed with stage I and stage II periodontitis. Eight patients simply underwent SRP. Eight more patients had SRP followed by erythritol subgingival air polishing, and eight patients had SRP followed by diode laser application. At baseline and six weeks, clinical periodontal parameters were measured, including Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), periodontal Probing Depth (PPD), and Clinical Attachment Level (CAL). The bacterial count of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans(A.A), Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.G) was evaluated at different points of time. RESULTS: The microbiological assessment revealed significant differences in the count of A.A. between the laser and erythritol groups immediately after treatment, indicating a potential impact on microbial levels. However, the microbial levels showed fluctuations over the subsequent weeks, without statistically significant differences. Plaque indices significantly decreased post-treatment in all groups, with no significant inter-group differences. Gingival indices decreased, and the laser group showed lower values than erythritol and control groups. PPD and CAL decreased significantly across all groups, with the laser group exhibiting the lowest values. CONCLUSION: The supplementary use of diode laser and erythritol air polishing, alongside SRP, represents an expedited periodontal treatment modality. This approach leads to a reduction in bacteria and improvement in periodontal health. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This clinical trial was registered on Clinical Trials.gov (Registration ID: NCT06209554) and released on 08/01/2024.

Evaluation of microbiome in primary and permanent dentition in grade C periodontitis in young individuals.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the subgingival microbiome in patients with grade C molar-incisor pattern periodontitis (C-MIP) affecting the primary or permanent dentitions. METHODS: DNA was isolated from subgingival biofilm samples from diseased and healthy sites from 45 C-MIP patients and subjected to phylogenetic microarray analysis. C-MIP sites were compared between children affected in the primary to those affected in the permanent dentitions. Within-subject differences between C-MIP-affected sites and dentition-matched healthy sites were also evaluated. RESULTS: C-MIP sites of subjects affected in the primary dentition showed partially overlapping but distinct microbial communities from C-MIP permanent dentition sites (p < 0.05). Differences were due to increased levels in primary C-MIP sites of certain species of the genera Capnocytophaga and Leptotrichia, while C-MIP permanent dentition sites showed higher prevalence of Filifactor alocis. Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) was among species seen in high prevalence and levels in both primary and permanent C-MIP sites. Moreover, both permanent and primary C-MIP sites showed distinct microbial communities when compared to dentition-matched healthy sites in the same subject (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Primary and permanent teeth with C-MIP showed a dysbiotic microbiome, with children affected in the primary dentition showing a distinct profile from those affected in the permanent dentition. However, Aa was enriched in both primary and permanent diseased sites, confirming that this microorganism is implicated in C-MIP in both dentitions.

Microbiological Effects of Sodium Hypochlorite/-Amino Acids and Cross-linked Hyaluronic Acid Adjunctive to Non-surgical Periodontal Treatment.

PURPOSE: To investigate the microbiological outcomes obtained with either subgingival debridement (SD) in conjunction with a gel containing sodium hypochlorite and amino acids followed by subsequent application of a cross-linked hyaluronic acid gel (xHyA) gel, or with SD alone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight patients diagnosed with stages II-III (grades A/B) generalised periodontitis were randomly treated with either SD (control) or SD plus adjunctive sodium hypochlorite/amino acids and xHyA gel (test). Subgingival plaque samples were collected from the deepest site per quadrant in each patient at baseline and after 3 and 6 months. Pooled sample analysis was performed using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based method for the identification of detection frequencies and changes in numbers of the following bacteria: Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A.a), Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.g), Tannerella forsythia (T.f), Treponema denticola (T.d), and Prevotella intermedia (P.i). RESULTS: In terms of detection frequency, in the test group, statistically significant reductions were found for P.g, T.f, T.d and P.i (p < 0.05) after 6 months. In the control group, the detection frequencies of all investigated bacterial species at 6 months were comparable to the baseline values (p > 0.05). The comparison of the test and control groups revealed statistically significant differences in detection frequency for P.g (p = 0.034), T.d (p < 0.01) and P.i (p = 0.02) after 6 months, favouring the test group. Regarding reduction in detection frequency scores, at 6 months, statistically significant differences in favour of the test group were observed for all investigated bacterial species: A.a (p = 0.028), P.g (p = 0.028), T.f (p = 0.004), T.d (p <0.001), and P.i (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: The present microbiological results, which are related to short-term outcomes up to 6 months post-treatment, support the adjunctive subgingival application of sodium hypochlorite/amino acids and xHyA to subgingival debridement in the treatment of periodontitis.

Clinical and microbiological evaluation of non-surgical periodontal therapy in obese and non-obese individuals with periodontitis: a 9-month prospective longitudinal study

Abstract Objective Obesity is a chronic disease that negatively affects an individual's general and oral health. The present study aimed to compare the clinical and microbiological effects of non-surgical periodontal therapy with the full mouth disinfection (FMD) protocol on obese and non-obese individuals at 9 months post-therapy. Methodology This clinical study was first submitted and approved by the Ethics Committee. Fifty-five obese patients and 39 non-obese patients with periodontitis were evaluated. The full-mouth periodontal clinical parameters, clinical attachment level (CAL), probing depth (PD), gingival index (GI), and plaque index (PI), were monitored at baseline, 3, 6, and 9 months after periodontal treatment with full mouth disinfection (FMD) protocol. The mean count of Tannerella forsythia , Porphyromonas gingivalis , Treponema Denticola , and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction on subgingival biofilm samples. Demographic data were assessed by Chi-square test. For clinical and microbiological parameters, two-factor repeated-measures ANOVA was used. Results In both groups, periodontal therapy using the one-stage full-mouth disinfection protocol significantly improved CAL, PD, GI, and PI (p<0.05). Obese and non-obese patients equally responded to non-surgical periodontal therapy (p>0.05). Microbial count found no major differences (p>0.05) between obese and non-obese individuals who had undergone non-surgical periodontal therapy. Conclusions Obesity did not affect the clinical and microbiological outcomes of non-surgical periodontal therapy.

Microbiological study of the subgingival biofilm in HIV+/HAART patients at a specialized dental service / Estudio microbiológico del biofilm subgingival de pacientes VIH+ bajo TARGA en un servicio dental especializado

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to describe the microbiological profile of HIV patients under highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART). This crosssectional study comprised 32 HIV patients with periodontal disease (PD) who had been under HAART for more than 6 months. Information about the patients' medical history was obtained from clinical records. Clinical dental examination was performed by a calibrated researcher using standard dental instruments to determine probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and bleeding on probing (BOP). A total 4,765 periodontal sites were evaluated, 125 of which were also studied microbiologically. Subgingival biofilm samples were obtained using sterile paper points; one set was used for microbiological culture studies and the other for endpoint PCR. Statistical analysis was performed using KruskalWallis and posthoc DunnBonferroni contrast tests. All participants were on HAART at the time of the study, and 90.6% had a viral load below 50 copies/mm3. Prevalence of periodontally active sites was low in the study population. Microbiological studies: Black pigmented anaerobic bacteria and fusiform CFU counts were significantly higher in samples from sites with BOP and PD ≥4mm (p 0.020 and p 0.005, respectively). Molecular Assays: Detection of Porphyromonas gingivalis (p 0.002), Tannerella forsythia (p 0.023) and Treponema denticola (p 0.015) was significantly more frequent at sites with BOP and PD ≥4mm. Conclusions: The patients living with HIV/AIDS under HAART studied here had low prevalence of clinical periodontal disease signs. However, significant detection of P. gingivalis, T. denticola, and T. forsythia in periodontal active sites, and the involvement of these microorganisms as potential HIV reactivators, show the importance of creating awareness among dental health professionals of the need for close dental and periodontal monitoring in HIV patients.

RESUMEN El objetivo de este estudio fue describir el perfil microbiológico del biofilm subgingival de los pacientes con VIH bajo tratamiento antirretroviral de alta actividad (TARGA). El estudio comprendió a 32 pacientes VIH seropositivos con enfermedad periodontal (EP) que se encontraran en tratamiento con TARGA por más de 6 meses. Los antecedentes médicos de los pacientes se obtuvieron de las historias clínicas. El examen clínico instrumental (profun didad de sondaje (PS), nivel de inserción clínico (NIC) y sangrado al sondaje (SS)) fue realizado con instrumental odontológico estándar por un investigador calibrado. De este modo, se evaluaron un total de 4.765 sitios periodontales de los cuales 125 fueron estudiados microbiológicamente. Las muestras de biope lícula subgingival se obtuvieron empleando conos de papel estéril. Las muestras se emplearon en estudios microbiológicos y moleculares por PCR de punto final. El análisis estadístico se realizó según KruskalWallis y pruebas de contrastes posthoc de DunnBonferroni. El 90,6% de la población en estudio presentó carga viral inferior a 50 copias/mm3. La prevalencia de sitios periodontales activos fue baja (1%). Los recuentos de bacterias anaerobias estrictas pigmentadas de negro y fusiformes fueron significativamente más altos en muestras de sitios periodontales con SS positivo y PS ≥4 mm (p 0.020 y p 0.005). La detección molecular de Porphyromonas gingivalis (p 0.002), Tannerella forsythia (p 0.023) y Treponema denticola (p 0.015) fue significativamente mayor en los sitios con SS y PS ≥4mm. La prevalencia del 1% de enfermedad periodontal en el grupo de pacientes estudiados fue menor a la esperada, sin embargo; la detección significativa de P. gingivalis, T. denticola y T. forsythia en sitios periodontales activos y su potencial participación como agentes reactivadores del VIH, nos alerta de la importancia de crear conciencia en los profesionales de la salud (médicos y odontólogos) acerca de la necesidad de un monitoreo minucioso del estado periodontal de pacientes con características semejantes a las descriptas en la muestra poblacional estudiada.

Effect of total sonicated Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans fragments on gingival stem/progenitor cells

BACKGROUND: Aggregatibacter-actinomycetemcomitans (A.actinomycetemcomitans) are strongly associated with localized-aggressive-periodontitis (LAgP). The study's aim was to test for the first time the effect of total sonicated A.actinomycetemcomitans-bacterial-fragments on gingival mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells' (G-MSCs) proliferation and regenerative gene expression in-vitro. MATERIAL AND METHODS: G-MSCs were isolated, characterized, expanded and stimulated by total sonicated A.actinomycetemcomitans-bacterial-fragments (0 (negative-control), 15, 60, 120 and 240μg/ml; serovar-b; n=6/group). Cellular proliferation and NF-κβ (NFKB1), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALPL), Collagen-I (COL1A1), Collagen-III (COL3A1), Osteonectin (SPARC) and Osteopontin (SPP1) m-RNA expression were assessed via reverse-transcription-polymerase-chain-reaction (RT-PCR) at 24, 48 and 72 hours and CFUs-ability evaluated at twelve days. RESULTS: G-MSCs demonstrated stem/progenitor cells' characteristics. A.actinomycetemcomitans-bacterial-fragments (up to 72 hours) resulted in marked G-MSCs' proliferation over-time (p < 0.001) and elevated NFKB1 (p= 0.017), COL1A1 (p = 0.025), SPARC (p = 0.025), decreased ALPL (p = 0.017), with no significant differences for COL3A1 and SPP1 expression or stimulation times (p > 0.05; Friedman-test). Longer-term stimulation for twelve days reduced G-MSCs' CFUs. CONCLUSIONS: Sonicated A.actinomycetemcomitans-bacterial-fragments' exert beneficial short-term effects on G-MSCs' proliferative and non-mineralized tissue forming aptitude. Results shed new light on the importance of periodontal treatment for LAgP patients, using power driven sonic/ultrasonic devices, which, in addition to reducing the subgingival microbial load, produces cell-stimulatory A.actinomycetemcomitans-bacterial-fragments, with positive attributes on tissue reparative/regenerative responses of tissue resident stem/progenitor cells in their niche

Microbiological and clinical effects of probiotics and antibiotics on nonsurgical treatment of chronic periodontitis: a randomized placebo- controlled trial with 9-month follow-up

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this double-blind, placebo-controlled and parallel- arm randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus SP1-containing probiotic sachet and azithromycin tablets as an adjunct to nonsurgical therapy in clinical parameters and in presence and levels of Tannerella forsythia, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. Material and Methods: Forty-seven systemically healthy volunteers with chronic periodontitis were recruited and monitored clinically and microbiologically at baseline for 3, 6 and 9 months after therapy. Subgingival plaque samples were collected from four periodontal sites with clinical attachment level ≥1 mm, probing pocket depth ≥4 mm and bleeding on probing, one site in each quadrant. Samples were cultivated and processed using the PCR technique. Patients received nonsurgical therapy including scaling and root planing (SRP) and were randomly assigned to a probiotic (n=16), antibiotic (n = 16) or placebo (n = 15) group. L. rhamnosus SP1 was taken once a day for 3 months. Azithromycin 500mg was taken once a day for 5 days. Results: All groups showed improvements in clinical and microbiological parameters at all time points evaluated. Probiotic and antibiotic groups showed greater reductions in cultivable microbiota compared with baseline. The placebo group showed greater reduction in number of subjects with P. gingivalis compared with baseline. However, there were no significant differences between groups. Conclusions: The adjunctive use of L. rhamnosus SP1 sachets and azithromycin during initial therapy resulted in similar clinical and microbiological improvements compared with the placebo group.

Prevalence and determinants of oral microflora among Portuguese adolescentes

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence and determinants of salivary Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and the associated risk of development of dental pathologies on a sample of Portuguese adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was designed including a final sample of 447 adolescents aged between 12 and 18 years old, attending a public school in Sátão, Portugal. A self-administered questionnaire was filled out by the adolescents. Clinical examination of oral health status was carried out and saliva collection was accomplished by the passive drool method. The identification of the different types of bacterial strains was accomplished using the Polymerase Chain Reaction technique. RESULTS: The prevalence of S. mutans in the studied sample was 99.5% Lactobacillus, 80.8% S. mutans and 15.2% A. actinomycetemcomitans. The presence of S. mutans was associated with gender (male = 76.1% vs female = 83.6%; P = .04) and dental pain in the presence of severe dental caries (77.3% vs 87.8%; P = .006). The infection with A. actinomycetemcomitans was associated with age (< 15 years = 12.3% vs ≥ 15 years = 20.3%; P = .03) and residence area (rural = 18.2% vs urban = 11.0%; P = .04), and may be related with a higher risk of periodontal disease development in adulthood. CONCLUSIONS: A. actinomycetemcomitans infection was found to be associated with socio-demographic variables, suggesting that, if not clinically well identified and treated, may cause serious oral diseases during adulthood. It has been described that the oral microflora is one of the main etiological factors for dental caries and periodontal diseases development, but cannot be considered in an isolated manner

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Porphyromonas gingivalis Fim-A genotype distribution among Colombians / Distribución del genotipo Fim-A de Porphyromonas gingivalis entre la población colombiana

Introduction: Porphyromonas gingivalis is associated with periodontitis and exhibit a wide array of virulence factors, including fimbriae which is encoded by the FimA gene representing six known genotypes. Objetive: To identify FimA genotypes of P. gingivalis in subjects from Cali-Colombia, including the co-infection with Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Treponema denticola, and Tannerella forsythia. Methods: Subgingival samples were collected from 151 people exhibiting diverse periodontal condition. The occurrence of P. gingivalis, FimA genotypes and other bacteria was determined by PCR. Results: Porphyromonas gingivalis was positive in 85 patients. Genotype FimA II was more prevalent without reach significant differences among study groups (54.3%), FimA IV was also prevalent in gingivitis (13.0%). A high correlation (p= 0.000) was found among P. gingivalis, T. denticola, and T. forsythia co-infection. The FimA II genotype correlated with concomitant detection of T. denticola and T. forsythia. Conclusions: Porphyromonas gingivalis was high even in the healthy group at the study population. A trend toward a greater frequency of FimA II genotype in patients with moderate and severe periodontitis was determined. The FimA II genotype was also associated with increased pocket depth, greater loss of attachment level, and patients co-infected with T. denticola and T. forsythia.

Introducción: Porphyromonas gingivalis es una bacteria asociada con la periodontitis. Expresa una amplia gama de factores de virulencia, incluyendo las fimbrias, las cuales están codificadas por el gen FimA que representa seis genotipos conocidos. Objetivo: Identificar los genotipos de FimA de P. gingivalis en pacientes de Cali - Colombia, incluyendo la co -infección con Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Treponema denticola y Tannerella forsythia. Métodos: Se obtuvieron muestras subgingivales de 151 individuos con diferentes diagnósticos periodontales. La ocurrencia de P. gingivalis, los genotipos de FimA y otras bacterias se determinó por PCR. Resultados: Porphyromonas gingivalis fue positiva en 85 pacientes. El genotipo FimA II fue más prevalente, pero no hubo diferencias significativas entre los grupos de estudio (54.3%), FimA IV fue el más frecuente en la gingivitis (13.0%). Una alta correlación (p= 0.000) se encontró entre P. gingivalis , T. denticola y T. forsythia. El genotipo FimA II estuvo correlacionado con la detección de T. denticola y T. forsythia. Conclusiones: Porphyromonas gingivalis tuvo una alta frecuencia incluso en el grupo de individuos sanos. Se encontró una tendencia hacia una mayor frecuencia de FimA II en pacientes con periodontitis moderada y severa. El genotipo FimA II también se asoció con una mayor profundidad de la bolsa, una mayor pérdida de nivel de inserción, y con los pacientes en los que se detectó co-infección con T. denticola y T. forsythia.

Microbiological effects of periodontal therapy plus azithromycin in patients with diabetes: results from a randomized clinical trial

Evidencia actual sugiere que la infección periodontal puede agravar el control de la diabetes. El objetivo de este estudiofue determinar los cambios en la frecuencia de detección de porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola y Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans en pacientes con diabetes con el uso de terapia mecánica no quirúrgica mas azitromicina en un estudio clínico controlado aleatorizado.Ciento cinco pacientes (105) con diabetes y perio -dontitis fueron asignados aleatoriamente en tres grupos: terapiamecánica mas azitromicina, terapia mecánica mas placebo y profilaxis supragingival mas azitromicina. Un análisis periodontal completo y detección de patógenos perio dontales por medio de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) se realizaron al inicio, 3, 6 y 9 meses después de la terapia pe -riodontal. La frecuencia de detección de Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola y Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans disminuyó a los 3 meses en todos los grupos. La frecuencia de detección de Tannerella forsythia se incrementó a los 3 meses en todos los grupos. Todos los patógenosperiodontales mostraron una frecuencia de detección similar a los 9 meses en todos los grupos. La terapia periodontal mas azitromicina no tuvo efectos adicionales sobre la frecuencia dedetección de los patógenos periodontales investigados en pacientes diabéticos...

Association between periodontal condition and subgingival microbiota in women during pregnancy: a longitudinal study

Objectivo In this study, the gingival conditions and the quantitative detection for Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia in pregnant women were determined. Material and Methods Quantitative determinations of periodontal bacteria by using a SyBr green system in women during pregnancy were performed. Women at the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy and non-pregnant women were included in this study. A. actinomycetemcomitans was observed in high numbers in women at the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy with a significant difference (p<0.05). F. nucleatum and P. intermedia were also observed in high levels. Results and Conclusion Our results show that pregnant women are more susceptible to gingivitis, and the presence of A. actinomycetemcomitans in subgingival biofilm might be taken into account for the treatment of periodontal disease. .

Distribution of serotype-specific genotypes of aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in Brazilian patients with down syndrome with different periodontal conditions / Distribución de los serotipos genotipos específicos de aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans en los pacientes brasileños con síndrome de down con diferentes condiciones periodontales

This study evaluated the occurrence of highly or minimally leukotoxic strains of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) from patients with Down syndrome and the distribution of the different serotype-specific genotypes of this microorganism. Sixty-seven patients with Down syndrome were subjected to dental, periodontal and radiographic evaluations. Samples of subgingival biofilm were collected and plated onto TSBV agar and characteristic colonies of A. actinomycetemcomitans were identified by biochemical methods. The occurrence of this bacterium was also evaluated directly in the clinical specimens by PCR. The presence of 530 bp deletion in the promoter region was also determined by PCR in order to evaluate distribution of highly or minimally leukotoxic strains. A. actinomycetemcomitans was detected in 11.1 percent by culture and 22.2 percent by PCR from periodontally healthy subjects, 100 percent of the patients with Down syndrome with aggressive periodontitis, 50 percent and 75 percent of patients with chronic periodontitis by culture and PCR respectively. Only two patients with aggressive periodontitis were colonized by highly leukotoxic Aa. Serotype-specific genotypes a and c were the most prevalent. The results suggest the role of peculiar characteristics of Aa and patients with Down syndrome in the development of periodontitis and the influence of peculiar characteristics of the population in this process.

Este estudio evaluó la presencia de cepas altamente o mínimamente toxicas de Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) de los pacientes con síndrome de Down y la distribución de los serotipos genotipos específicos de este microrganismo por cultivo y PCR. Sesenta y siete pacientes con síndrome de Down fueron sometidos a un tratamiento dental y evaluaciones clínicas. Las muestras de biofilme subgingival fueron recogidas y cultivadas en agar TSBV y colonias características de Aa fueran identificadas mediante métodos bioquímicos. La presencia de esta bacteria se evaluó también directamente en las muestras clínicas por PCR. Los aislados y las muestras clínicas también se probaron con el fin de evaluar la distribución de serotipos de genotipos específicos por PCR, mientras que la presencia de delección de 530 bp en la región promotora del gen ltxC también fue determinado por PCR con el fin de evaluar de distribución de las cepas altamente o mínimamente toxicas. Aa fue aislado en 11,1 por ciento y 22,2 por ciento por PCR de pacientes periodontalmente sanos; en todos los pacientes con síndrome de Down con periodontitis agresiva, y en 50 por ciento y 75 por ciento de los pacientes con periodontitis crónica por cultivo y PCR, respectivamente. Sólo dos pacientes con periodontitis agresiva fueron colonizados por cepas altamente tóxicas. Los serotipos y genotipos específicos a y c fueron los más frecuentes. Los resultados sugieren una asociación de las peculiares características de Aa con las características de los pacientes con síndrome de Down en el desarrollo de la periodontitis.

Leukotoxicity of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in generalized aggressive periodontitis in Brazilians and their family members

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the leukotoxin promoter types of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans clones in subjects with generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP) and in their family members (FM). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-five patients with GAgP (33.9±7.1 years), 33 of their FM (22.8±11.4 years), and 41 patients with chronic periodontitis (CP) (44.1±9.4 years) were clinically analyzed using the plaque index, gingival index, probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL). Subgingival biofilm samples were collected from four interproximal periodontal sites (>PD and >CAL) of each patient. The presence of A. actinomycetemcomitans and its leukotoxic clone was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: A. actinomycetemcomitans was observed in 23 (51.1%) GAgP patients and 16 (30.1%) CP patients. Thirty-seven (94.8%) patients showed minimally leukotoxic strains and 2 (5.1%) showed highly leukotoxic strains. In the FM group, 10 (30.3%) had aggressive periodontitis (AgP), 12 (36.3%) had CP, 11 (33.3%) were periodontally healthy or had gingivitis, and 12.2% were A. actinomycetemcomitans positive. Greater full mouth PD and CAL were observed in GAgP patients positive for the bacteria than those negative for it (p<;0.05), and the presence of A. actinomycetemcomitans positively correlated with GAgP (Odds ratio, 3.1; confidence interval, 1.4-7.0; p=0.009). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of A. actinomycetemcomitans was associated with the clinical condition of GAgP, with most patients exhibiting a generalized form of the disease and minimally leukotoxic clones. Most of the relatives of GAgP patients presented either CP or AgP. .

Evaluación de la terapia mecánica periodontal en bolsas profundas: respuesta clínica y bacteriológica / Evaluation of periodontal mechanical therapy in deep pockets: Clinical and bacteriological response

Objetivos: Evaluar la composición microbiológica y los parámetros clínicos de bolsas periodontales >5 mm de profundidad al inicio, 1 semana, 3 y 12 meses post raspado y alisado radicular. Materiales y Métodos: Se tomaron registros clínicos y muestras de placa subgingival de 44 sitios de pacientes con diagnóstico de periodontitis crónica. Se identificaron por técnica de Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa (PCR) patógenos putativos periodontales: Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Treponema denticola (Td), Tannerella forsythia (Tf) y Prevotella intermedia (Pi). Los pacientes recibieron terapia mecánica periodontal y fueron reevaluados a los 7 días, 3 y 12 meses. Resultados: Luego del tratamiento, todos los parámetros clínicos (Placa Bacteriana, Hemorragia, Supuración, Profundidad al Sondaje y Nivel de Inserción Clínica) se redujeron significativamente y los valores obtenidos se mantuvieron hasta los 12 meses. Al inicio, las especies bacterianas prevalentes fueron Pg, presente en 66 por ciento de los sitios, Tf (55 por ciento) y Td (41 por ciento). Los sitios más profundos se relacionaron con las asociaciones Tf-Td (6.8 mm) y Tf-Td-Pi (7 mm). Post terapia, el número de sitios positivos para Td, Tf y Pg se redujo significativamente. Conclusiones: El raspado y alisado radicular mejoró significativamente los parámetros clínicos y redujo la prevalencia de los patógenos periodontales Pg, Tf y Td en bolsas periodontales profundas. Los resultados obtenidos se mantuvieron hasta los 12 meses. No se detectaron mayores pérdidas de inserción clínica en el 86 por ciento de los sitios a 3 meses y en 79 por ciento a los 12 meses. Los sitios en los que el tratamiento no fue efectivo en la eliminación de patógenos a los 12 meses desarrollaron mayores profundidades de sondaje.

Objectives: To evaluate the microbial composition and clinical parameters of periodontal pockets with probing depth >5 mm at baseline, 1 week, 3 and 12 months after scaling and root planning. Methods: Clinical parameters were measured and bacterial samples were collected from 44 sites in 11 patients with chronic periodontitis. By means of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) the presence of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Treponema denticola (Td), Tannerella forsythia (Tf) and Prevotella intermedia (Pi) was estimated. The patients received mechanical periodontal therapy and were evaluated after 1 week, 3 months and 12 months. Results: After treatment, all clinical parameters (Plaque, Bleeding on Probing, Supuration, Probing Pocket Depth and Clinical Attachment Level) were significantly reduced, and the values obtained were maintained up to the 12 months that the study lasts. At baseline, the most prevalent species were Pg, present in 66 percent of the sites, Tf (55 percent) and Td (41 percent). The deepest sites were related to the association Tf-Td (6.8 mm) and Tf-Td-Pi (7 mm). The number of positive sites for Td, Tf and Pg was significantly reduced after therapy. Conclusions: Scaling and root planning improve significantly clinical parameters as well as reduce the prevalence of periodontal pathogens Pg, Td and Tf in deep periodontal pockets. The results obtained were maintained up to 12 months. No further clinical attachment loss was found in 86 percent of the sites at 3 months and 79 percent at 12 months. The sites where the treatment failed in removing pathogens developed at 12 months greater probing pocket depths.

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans en periodontitis crónica en individuos de Corrientes, Argentina: estudio preliminar / Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in chronic periodontitis of individuals from Corrientes, Argentina: a preliminary study

Objetivo: establecer la prevalencia de Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans en pacientes con periodontitis crónica en distintos estadios yla distribución de serotipos, utilizando la técnica de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa. Materiales y métodos: participaron 54 sujetos, entre 35 y 65 años de edad, con diagnóstico de periodontitis crónica. La periodontitis se clasificó en leve, moderada y severa. Como grupo control se incluyeron 24 sujetos sin periodontitis, con los mismos parámetros de inclusión. Para la detección de Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans se procesaron muestras de placa subgingival obtenidas con cono de papel absorbente, conservadas a -20ºC hasta su procesamiento. El ácido dexorribonucleico se extrajo por el método de bromuro de cetiltrimetilamonio y se utilizó la técnica de reacción en cadena de polimerasa para su identificación y serotipado. Resultados: los resultados de las reacciones fueron leidos por electroforesis en geles de agarosa teñidos con bromuro de etidio y la visualización fue realizada por transiluminación ultravioleta. La prevalencia de A. actinomycetemcomitans en periodontitis crónica fue del 14,91 por ciento; el serotipo más frecuente fue el b. No se obtuvieron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los grupos con y sin periodontitis (p=0,064), ni entre los estadios de periodontitis y el serotipo presente (p=0,2139). Conclusión: aunque los resultados coinciden con la bibliografía, sería conveniente repetir el estudio sobre una muestra mayor.