The RT-PCR additional value in detecting periodontal pathogens in periodontitis patients

Abstract

Objectives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of selected bacterial species from periodontal pockets samples in a group of young adult periodontitis patients and explore the additional value of the Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) assay. Material and Methods. Patients with periodontitis diagnosis and good general health were included in the study after a complete periodontal examination and following the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Samples from the deepest periodontal pockets were collected, and RT-PCR assay was performed in a private laboratory in order to identify eleven bacterial strains associated with periodontitis. The patient’s report provided the bacterial pathogen load quantified according to the detection threshold and classified as negative, weakly positive, positive, or intensely positive. Results. The RT-PCR assay detected periodontal pathogens, and their prevalence could be calculated based on the test report. The red complex bacteria were detected in all patients with the highest counts. Alongside the orange complex bacteria were also detected in periodontitis patients. A. actinomycetemcomitans remained undetected in our study. Conclusions. The RT-PCR technique proved to be a useful and easy approach for identifying and quantifying subgingival periodontal pathogens in periodontitis patients. RT-PCR testing may facilitate accurate diagnosis and prognosis as well as successful treatment.