Sterile Curette Research Articles

Subgingival Plaque as a Potential Reservoir for SARS-CoV-2 Virus in Patients Recovered from COVID-19 Infection: A Cross-sectional Study

Background Subgingival plaque biofilm is a potential harboring site for bacteria and viruses, serving as a source of entry into the bloodstream. The presence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 RNA (SARS-CoV-2 RNA) in subgingival plaque could be a possible source for cross infection due to aerosol contamination during dental procedures. Objectives The objective of this study was to investigate the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the subgingival plaque biofilm of patients who recovered from COVID-19 infection. Materials and Methods Ten subjects visiting the Outpatient clinic with a previous history of COVID-19 infection were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Subgingival plaque sample was collected from all four quadrants using a sterile curette. Nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs were taken from all the subjects. Reverse transcriptase real-time qualitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to determine the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA using BAG SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR kit targeting E gene, RdRp gene, and internal control. Results Ten participants (seven females and three males) with a previous history of COVID-19 infection were included in the study. Six participants previously presented with mild COVID-19 infection (uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection, mild fever, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, malaise, headache, without evidence of breathlessness or hypoxia), and four participants previously presented with moderate COVID-19 infection (dyspnea and or hypoxia, fever, cough, SpO2 90%–94% on room air, respiratory rate more or equal to 24 per minute) according to clinical management protocol for COVID-19, Government of India. The nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, and subgingival plaque samples tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Conclusion The absence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the subgingival plaque sample of patients recovered from COVID-19 infection suggests that dental plaque could not be a potential reservoir of the virus. However, clinicians should take at most precautions while treating the patients recovered from COVID-19 infection and should anticipate a change in subgingival environment leading to alteration in periodontal disease progression.

Evaluation of Microbial Profile in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Periodontal Disease: A Case-Control Study.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and oral health are found to share a reciprocal link. Previous substantiating evidences suggest that PCOS may have a confounding effect on periodontal health and may quantitatively modify the composition of the oral microbiome. To analyze the role of PCOS as a risk factor in causing periodontal disease, we compared and evaluated the levels of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome, chronic periodontitis, polycystic ovary syndrome, and gingivitis, and healthy controls. In this case-control study, 40 female participants are enrolled and grouped into four groups which included healthy female individuals, patients with PCOS, patients with PCOS and gingivitis, and patients with PCOS and periodontitis. Periodontal examination is assessed primarily on all the participants using a UNC-15 probe. Dental plaque is then collected using a sterile curette in one stroke and transferred into an Eppendorf tube containing TE Buffer (Tris-EDTA buffer) solution. The level of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum nucleatum was estimated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The levels of Fusobacterium nucleatum were observed to be significantly higher in group with patients with PCOS and periodontitis. PCOS may have an impact on the composition of oral microflora causing repercussions in periodontal health.

Prevalence of Entamoeba gingivalis and Trichomonas tenax among patients with periodontal disease attending Dental Clinic, University College Hospital, Ibadan.

Periodontal disease is often caused by bacterial plaque. However, there are indications that some infective agents, including parasites, may play important roles in the pathogenesis of the disease. This study aimed at assessing the prevalence of gingivitis and periodontitis, as well as the prevalence of Entamoeba gingivalis and Trichomonas tenax, in the oral biofilm of individuals with periodontal diseases using polymerase chain reaction. One hundred and six respondents with periodontal disease participated in the study. All study participants had a full-mouth examination, and dental plaque samples were collected with a sterile curette. Samples were transported to the laboratory in a cold chain and stored frozen till analyzed. DNA was extracted from the samples and amplified using EGO and ENTAM primers for Entamoeba and TGBK primers for T. tenax. The mean age of respondents was 45 ± 16.3 years, with none using tobacco. The prevalence of gingivitis and periodontitis obtained from this study was 84.9% and 15.1%. The prevalence obtained for Entamoeba and T. tenax was 0.9% each; however, no participant had both parasites. The positive samples were from male participants with moderate gingivitis. Gingivitis was more prevalent than periodontitis, though with a high preponderance in females. E. gingivalis and T. tenax may not be of etiologic importance in periodontal disease as they occurred sparsely in the studied population.

Oral parasites and Its Associated with the Population Residency and Some Physiological Disorders Among Population in Erbil City.

Background:The parasitic infection may be caused by the parasites Trichomonas tenax and Entamoeba gingivalis, which were included in this investigation. This studys goal is to estimation the incidence the parasites in patients' oral cavities with associated of some factors like residency, dental caries and diabetics in Erbil, Iraq.Materials and Methods:The current study comprised 354 patients in total. A questionnaire recorded residency (urban and Rural), dental caries and diabetics. Calculi samples were taken by use of a sterile curette and were placed in sterile collection vials, each containing 1 ml of sterile normal saline solution. Saliva samples of the patients were collected in sterile vials, then dilution was done by addition of 1 ml of sterile saline solution to each vial. Then each vial was labeled by patient’s number, name and date of collection. The purpose of collection the calculi and saliva to search about the parasites in the oral cavity. Results:The higher infection ratio of E. gingivalis in the rural regions in comparison with that of urban areas (91.7% and 89% respectively), and the results discovered that the higher positive rate of E. gingivalis (93.3%) was observed among those with dental caries and it was encountered in (86.8%)of subjects free from dental caries, regarding diabetes, diabetes and the presence of E. gingivaliswere shown to have a statistically significant connection (97.1%) and (35.7%) infection rates of E. gingivalis among diabetics and non-diabetic participitants respectively. While T. tenax was more common in individuals with non-diabetes (12.2%) compare to the diabetics (9.5%), but no relation was found.Conclusion:Infection with these parasites is relatively prevalent in people with dental caries, diabetics, and the persons' environment. It appears that continuation of advices are important in regulator of parasitic infection in Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

Enhanced presence of serotonin in nasal cavity after autologous stimulation.

Serotonin, which is a vasoactive amine, is an important neurotransmitter and is involved in many behavioral and psychological phenomena, such as pain, appetite, mood, and sleep. The primary purpose of our study was to investigate the effect of high-pressure administration of sterile physiological saline isotonic solution (HpPSIS) into nasal cavity and to determine the expression of the serotonin. The study was made in two branches, the previous with 14 volunteers, the subsequent study with 40 patients with mild anxiety disorder. The middle third of the inferior turbinate epithelial cells on the right nostril was scraped using a sterile curette and indicated as (pre), then, a spray of sterilized isotonic solution at high pressure on the left nostril was delivered, and 5 minutes later a similar stimulation was delivered on the same nostril. The stimulation was made with a specific spray dispenser. The middle third of the inferior turbinate epithelial cells on the left nostril was scraped using a sterile curette and indicated as (post). Then, based on the first part of our study, we started the second part and gave a treatment on forty new patients with anxiety disorder. The results of these studies highlight the possibility of endogenous enhancement of serotonin by stimulation of mast cells. In the first part of the study, Serotonin significantly increased in protein extracts after treatment (64.35±5.33 vs. 10.97±2.17; unpaired two tailed t-test, t=9.8, df=24, p≤0.0001; F=6.035; DFn=12; DFd=12). In the second part of the study, in patients treated with HpPSIS, we observed improvement of mood, after one, two and three months, with a statistically significant reduction of DASS-21, while no reduction was observed in control patients, treated with normal pressure commercial spray. This pilot study showed that the topical treatment of HpPHIS increases serotonin levels in nasal cavity. The observation reported in this study opens the way to a new valid strategy to enhance the level of endogenous serotonin. We observed a significant improvement of ASI on patients during HpPHIS therapy.

Risk Factors for Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) from Diabetes Patients with Foot Ulcers (DFU) in a Tertiary Hospital

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a major complication of diabetes mellitus. Risk of MRSA should be considered in selecting empirical antibiotics. This study was aimed to determine the Risk factors of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) from Diabetes patients with foot ulcers (DFU). A total of 204 patients with diabetic foot were included in the study. Data collected using a pre-designed questionnaire included patient characteristics and medical history to determine risk factors for developing an MRSA infection in the foot. Specimens were obtained by scraping the ulcer base or the deep portion of the wound edge with a sterile curette, and were promptly sent to the laboratory for culture and identification. The prevalence of MRSA in DFU patients was 22.1%. Male patients with DFU were more infected with MRSA 26(12.7%) than females 19(9.3%) with statistical significance (p < 0.04). The age group 41 – 60 years had the highest prevalence of 27(13.2%) with statistically significance (p < 0.03). Farmers and DFU patients of 6 – 10 years had the highest prevalence of 20(9.8%) and 22(10.8%) without statistical significance. Risk factors were all significantly associated to MRSA colonization of diabetic foot ulcers and includes patients who had Type 2 diabetes for 1 – 5 years, and fasting blood sugar greater than >126, patients who smoked and drank for more than 10 years, and patients with body mass >30kg/m2. The prevalence of MRSA in DFU patients was 22.1% which was high. Risk factors were all statiatically associated to MRSA colonization of diabetic foot ulcers. The results from this study will guide healthcare workers on how to educate the patients in the study environment on the possible risk factors contributing to the colonization of MRSA in diabetic foot ulcers and the use of antibiotic therapy to eliminate MRSA from colonized wounds.

Comparison of Antimicrobial Activity of Mycelium and Spore of Ganoderma Lucidum on Prevotella Intermedia Isolated from Chronic Periodontitis Patients

Aim: The study aimed at comparing the antimicrobial activity of mycelium and spore of Ganoderma lucidum on Prevotella intermedia isolated from subgingival plaque of chronic periodontitis patients. Settings and Design: Written informed consent was obtained from each subject enrolled in the study. The institutional ethics committee granted ethical clearance for the study. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients diagnosed with chronic periodontitis were included in the study. Using sterile curettes, pooled subgingival plaque samples were collected from the deepest sites of periodontal pockets. The collected samples were then transported in 1 mL of reduced transport fluid. The organisms were cultured and confirmed and were used for the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) procedure. Statistical Analysis: Mean of the MIC value obtained was calculated. Comparison between the antimicrobial activity of mycelium and spore against P. intermedia groups with respect to mean MIC value (in mcg/ml) was done by Mann–Whitney U test. Comparison of antimicrobial activity of mycelium and spores of G. lucidum against P. intermedia expressed by the MIC value at different concentrations was done by Chi-square test. Results: The mean MIC obtained for mycelium was 5.64 mcg/ml. The mean MIC obtained for spore was 3.62 mcg/ml. Results of the comparison of antimicrobial activity implied that the antimicrobial activity of mycelium and spore of G. lucidum was comparable. Conclusions: Both mycelium and spore of G. lucidum with its bioactivity could be used as an antimicrobial, in combination with conventional therapy in periodontal disease.

Evaluation of subgingival microbiota around single tooth implants

Objectives1. To provide information about the subgingival microbiota around single tooth implants.2. To assess the subgingival microbial flora around the teeth adjacent to single tooth implants.3. To clinically evaluate the gingival health surrounding the single-tooth implants. MethodsPatients undergoing the single-tooth implant replacements, were selected as subjects for the study. The natural teeth adjacent to implant sites were taken as control sites. Clinically each peri-implant gingival tissue health was evaluated. Subgingival plaque samples were removed with sterile curette and evaluated for microbial flora, by microscopic examinations. Bacterial cultures of samples studied. The similar procedure was followed for the control sites also. Finally the data collected were statistically analyzed and interpreted. ResultsThe subgingival microbiota around single tooth implants was cultured and studied. Enterobacter species, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus species were predominantly found. Klebsiella pneumonia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were found more frequently around implant sites than control sites. Anaerobic Bacteroides species were found in only one case around the implant site. ConclusionsPrevention and control of bacterial infection in the peri-implant region are among the key factors in determining the long term success or failure of dental implant therapy. The thorough knowledge about the subgingival microbiota around the healthy and diseased peri-implant mucosa is needed to determine the overall outcome of implant therapy.

Molecular identification of Capnocytophaga species from the oral cavity of patients with chronic periodontitis and healthy individuals.

Introduction:Capnocytophaga species are recognized as part of human oral microbiota and implicated as periodontal pathogens associated with various periodontal diseases. The three original Capnocytophaga species - Capnocytophaga ochracea, Capnocytophaga sputigena and Capnocytophaga gingivalis were initially isolated from periodontitis in adults, but subsequent studies demonstrated their presence also at periodontally healthy sites in both children and adults. Their association with periodontal disease is a matter of controversy. Considering the differing virulence features of the respective isolate, it is crucial to identify these isolates to species level.Aims:The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of Capnocytophaga species by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) through restriction fragment length polymorphism in healthy individuals and patients with periodontal disease.Material and Methods:The study included a total of 300 individuals, 100 each with Gingivitis, Chronic periodontitis, and Healthy individuals. The plaque samples were collected using sterile curette in reduced transport fluid. DNA extraction was carried out for PCR analysis.Results:Of 300 individuals, Capnocytophaga species were identified from 237 (79%) participants in all groups. The prevalence was statistically analyzed using Chi-square test. The prevalence was more in males in gingivitis and healthy individuals (42% and 49% respectively), and females in periodontitis (40%). C. ochracea was observed in a higher proportion (36.33%), followed by C. granulosa (32.66%) and C. gingivalis (10%). They were identified more in the age group of 30–40 years in gingivitis and periodontitis, (30 and 21 individuals, respectively) and 39 individuals in 18–29 years in healthy individuals. They were present in 87% in healthy individuals, 77% in gingivitis and 73% in periodontitis.Conclusion:Capnocytophaga species are commonly present in healthy individuals and may be associated with periodontal disease. There is a need for further study to know the prevalence of other species of Capnocytophaga in health and disease.

Detection and comparison of spirochetes in periodontal health and disease by microscopy and polymerase chain reaction techniques: A microbiological study

Background: Periodontitis is caused by specific microorganisms or group of specific microorganisms. Spirochetes have been implicated to play a role in the pathogenesis of the periodontal disease. Objectives: The aim is to detect the prevalence of total spirochetes in patients with healthy periodontium, gingivitis, and periodontitis using microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. And to compare microscopy (silver nitrate staining) technique and PCR technique in the detection of spirochetes. Subjects and Methods: A total of 150 patients were selected and divided into healthy, gingivitis, and periodontitis groups with 50 patients in each group. Subgingival plaque samples were collected using sterile Gracey curettes. The plaque samples were analyzed for the presence of spirochetes using microscopy and PCR techniques. Statistical analysis for the prevalence of spirochetes was performed using the Chi-square test. The sensitivity and specificity of the microscopy and PCR techniques were compared. Results: The prevalence of spirochetes increased from healthy to gingivitis to periodontitis patients. The prevalence of spirochetes was statistically significantly higher in the periodontitis group as compared to the healthy and gingivitis group. PCR was more sensitive in detecting spirochetes than microscopy, but that microscopy showed slightly greater specificity than PCR. Conclusion: There is a strong association between the presence of spirochetes with periodontal disease as well as its severity. The microscopic method by silver nitrate staining can be a very useful, simple, and rapid screening method for the evaluation of oral spirochetes, but PCR technique may serve as more sensitive indicator of subjects at risk for periodontal disease, thus allowing preventive measures.

Detection of Enterococcus faecalis in subgingival biofilms of healthy, gingivitis, and chronic periodontitis subjects.

Background:Enterococcus faecalis is a Gram-positive, facultative anaerobic coccus that can survive under harsh conditions. Studies have shown a positive relationship between biofilm formation and gelE gene expression in E. faecalis. The production of gelatinase (MMP 2) has been detected in 50% of E. faecalis isolates from endodontic and periodontal infections, which suggests its role in the pathogenesis of apical and marginal periodontitis. Although E. faecalis is not considered a periodontopathogen, this species has been more frequently detected in subgingival samples with periodontitis than from periodontally healthy subjects, suggesting that the local conditions in periodontitis may favor its colonization. Hence, the aim of the current study was to detect and compare the presence of E. faecalis in subgingival biofilms of healthy, gingivitis, and periodontitis subjects.Materials and Methods:A total of 100 subjects aged between 25 and 55 years, from the Outpatient Department of Periodontics were recruited for the study. All the subjects were screened for gingival and periodontal status using plaque index, gingival index, and clinical attachment loss. They were divided into three groups based on the clinical findings.• Group A: 18 healthy individuals (gingival index with score zero)• Group B: 34 gingivitis patients (gingival index with score >1)• Group C: 48 chronic periodontitis patients (clinical attachment loss >5 mm in >30% of sites).Subgingival plaque samples of all the enrolled subjects were collected using a sterile curette, later poured into a transport medium (Viability Medium Goteborg Agar III) and sent for microbial culturing within 2 h for detection of E. faecalis.Results:E. faecalis was detected in 26.8% of all samples evaluated. There was a significantly higher frequency of E. faecalis in subgingival biofilms of periodontitis group (41.7%), compared to gingivitis (5.9%) and healthy group (0%).Conclusion:Enterococci may contribute to increased collagen and periodontal destruction and may further lead to disease progression in patients with chronic periodontitis.

An In Vitro Study of Bactericidal Effect of Gallium Aluminium Arsenide Laser on Anaerobic Photosensitized Periodontopathics

To investigate the bactericidal effect of gallium aluminium arsenide (GaAlAs) laser on photosensitized predominant periodontopathogenic anaerobic organisms. The present prospective study was carried out among 50 patients of chronic periodontitis with pockets ≥ 5 mm depth. For sample analysis of P. intermedia and P. gingivalis, a subgingival plaque was collected from periodontal pockets using sterile curettes under aseptic conditions. The sample was then immediately transported to microbiology laboratory using Transport media, Thioglycollate broth with Vitamin K and Hemin. After incubation period again the number of the viable bacterial count was carried out using a magnifying glass and expressed as CFU/mL, to determine the bactericidal effect of GaAlAs laser. A predetermined number of colonies (for P. intermedia 500 colonies were taken initially; for P. gingivalis 400 colonies were taken initially) were taken equally as control group and case group. The data was statistically analyzed using the SPSS statistical software version 16. Mann-Whitney Test was used for statistical analysis with p value less than 0.05 considered statically significant. Study group shows a reduction in colony count of P. intermedia after being exposed to GaAlAs diode laser for 1 minute from 369-229, 134 and 41 which was statistically significant with p value <0.0001. Study group shows a decrease in colony count of P. gingivalis after being exposed to GaAlAs diode laser for 1 minute from 286.52-197, 94 and 39 which was statistically significant with p value <0.0001. The result of our study implies that for all tested bacterial strains, the effect of GaAlAs laser for 1 minute resulted in a significant reduction in the viable counts of photosensitized predominant periodontopathogenic anaerobic organisms. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) kills the bacteria and also leads to the detoxification of endotoxins. Further, it can thus be safely concluded that this technique is an alternative method adjunct to mechanical therapy. The application of an alternative method to eradicate bacteria from periodontal pockets is desirable. One such approach is photodynamic therapy (PDT), i.e., laser therapy. Owing to the emergence of antibiotic resistance, PDT has to turn out to be a feasible alternative antibacterial therapy for biofilm-related diseases.

Effects of amine fluoride and probiotic mouthwash on levels of Porphyromonas gingivalis in orthodontic patients: A randomized controlled trial.

Introduction:Porphyromonas gingivalis is one among the major etiological agent in periodontal diseases and has been proved to cause gingival inflammation under orthodontic appliances.Aim:To assess the effect of amine fluoride and probiotic mouthwashes on levels of P. gingivalis during orthodontic treatment, using real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).Materials and Methods:A randomised controlled trial was performed including 45 patients. There were three groups: Group A (control group), Group B (patients using Amflor mouthwash) and Group C (patients using probiotic mouthwash). During the treatment, all the 3 groups were advised to brush twice a day using Colgate tooth paste and Group B patients were advised to swish 15 ml fluoridated mouthwash (Amflor) and Group C advised to swish probiotic for 60 s before swallowing, once in the morning and once before sleep. After gently removing supragingival plaque, subgingival plaque samples were collected by inserting a sterile dental curette into the bottom of the gingival crevice around 31, 32, 41, and 42 at two different intervals: T1 at start and T2 after 6 months of fixed orthodontic treatment. Sub-gingival plaque samples collected were transferred to laboratory within 48 h for RT-PCR analysis in Tris-buffer solution, to maintain the integrity of bacterial DNA.Results:The levels of P. gingivalis were significantly decreased with probiotic mouth wash.Conclusions:Probiotic mouth wash can be used as an adjunctive measure along with regular brushing to improve periodontal status during fixed orthodontic treatment.

Molecular Detection of Porphyromonas gingivalis in Chronic Periodontitis Patients

In the current study, Porphyromonas gingivalis was identified in chronic periodontitis patients and healthy subjects by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and its presence correlated with the severity of clinical periodontal parameters. Subgingival plaque samples were collected with sterile curette and subjected to deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extraction and subsequent PCR for detection of P. gingivalis. Porphyromonas gingivalis was detected in 60% of patients of group II (pocket depth up to 5 mm), and in 93.33% of patients of group III (pocket depth more than 5 mm). One periodontally healthy subject in group I (probing depth < 3 mm) showed the presence of P. gingivalis. Detection frequency of bacterium increased significantly with increase in probing pocket depth (PPD), loss of attachment (LOA), and gingival index (GI). Porphyromonas gingivalis is strongly associated with chronic periodontitis and its detection frequency positively correlates with the severity of periodontal destruction.

CODIFI (Concordance in Diabetic Foot Ulcer Infection): a cross-sectional study of wound swab versus tissue sampling in infected diabetic foot ulcers in England

ObjectiveTo determine the extent of agreement and patterns of disagreement between wound swab and tissue samples in patients with an infected diabetic foot ulcer (DFU).DesignMulticentre, prospective, cross-sectional study.SettingPrimary and secondary...

Comparison of paperpoint and curette sampling of subgingival microbiome composition as analyzed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing

ABSTRACTObjective: Our aim was to compare the subgingival microbiome composition in samples collected by curettes and paperpoints.Methods: Subgingival plaque of rheumatoid arthritis patients with periodontitis (N=66) or gingivitis (N=15) was collected at two timepoints by sterile curettes and paperpoints. Unused sterile paperpoints were included as controls. The microbial DNA was processed for 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The data was processed and clustered into Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) and assessed by multivariate analyses.Results: Unused paperpoints showed various levels of DNA contamination. The OTUs specific for unused paperpoints were classified as Exiguobacterium, Enterococcus, Methylobacterium, Aquabacterium and Pseudomonas and were removed from the dataset.Microbial profiles of curette samples differed significantly from the paperpoint samples (PERMANOVA, p=0.0009, F=3.167). The paperpoint samples had significantly higher proportion of OTUs classified as Streptococcus, Gemella, Parvimonas, Haemophilus, Aggregatibacter and Clostridiales family XIII incertae sedis (p<0.05). Curette samples harbored higher proportion of Corynebacterium, Prevotella, Selenomonas, Actinomyces and Treponema (p<0.05).Curette samples had significantly higher species richness (p=0.01) and Shannon Diversity Index (p=0.009) than the paperpoint samples.Conclusions: Different subgingival plaque sampling techniques result in different microbiome profiles. Samples by paperpoints introduce microbial DNA contaminants and show underestimated microbial diversity compared to samples obtained by curettes.

The risk reduction of recurrent periodontal pathogens of local application minocycline HCl 2% gel, used as an adjunct to scaling and root planing for chronic periodontitis treatment.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and microbiological effects of local application minocycline HCl 2% gel, used as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) for treatment of chronic periodontitis (CP). CP is an inflammation of periodontal tissue that is caused mainly by bacterial infection, where periodontal destruction such as loss of attachment and bone destruction occurred.MethodsA total of 81 subjects with moderate to severe periodontitis whose baseline clinical attachment loss (CAL) was ≥4 mm were randomly assigned to receive SRP alone (control group, N=39) or SRP followed by four times of local application of minocycline HCl gel (Periocline) once a week (test group, N=42). Pocket depth, CAL, and papilla bleeding index were examined at baseline, 21 days, 2, 3, and 6 months. Subgingival plaque samples were collected with sterile curettes and were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction for the presence of three periodontal pathogens (Porphyromonas gingivalis [P.g.], Tannerella forsythia [T.f.], and Treponema denticola [T.d.]) at baseline, 2, 3, and 6 months.ResultsThe number of bacteria was reduced in both groups at 2 months after baseline (SRP treatment). The changes (2–6 months) in T.d. and T.f. counts in the test group were significantly lower than those in the control group. In the control group, a significant regrowth of P.g., T.f., and T.d. was observed from 2 to 6 months and of P.g. and T.f. from 3 to 6 months. On the other hand, in the test group, the number of the three bacteria did not significantly increase during the 6-month period.ConclusionThe results showed that local application of minocycline, used as an adjunct to SRP, was effective for suppressing regrowth of periodontal pathogens, suggesting its risk reduction of recurrent periodontal pathogens in CP.

Detection and prevalence of Capnocytophaga in periodontal Health and disease

Context/Background: Periodontal disease is a multifactorial disease, in which bacteria play a major role. Capnocytophaga species form a part of human oral flora both in health and disease. They have been implicated as putative periodontal pathogens, and yet, they are less understood members of plaque flora. No studies have been conducted on the association of Capnocytophaga species with periodontal diseases in India. Aim: The aim of this study was to detect the prevalence of Capnocytophaga species in patients with healthy periodontium, gingivitis, and periodontitis using culture method. Methods: Forty patients each with healthy periodontium, gingivitis, and periodontitis were selected. Subgingival plaque samples were collected from all the patients using sterile curettes and transferred to transport medium and sent to the laboratory. The plaque samples were inoculated on blood agar and trypticase-blood-bacitracin-polymyxin agar to grow Capnocytophaga species. Later, Gram-staining and microscopy were done to confirm the presence of Capnocytophaga in each sample. The prevalence of Capnocytophaga species was statistically analyzed using Chi-square test, Kruskal–Wallis analysis of variance, and Mann–Whitney U-test. Results: Capnocytophaga was detected in 21 (52.50%) samples out of 40 samples of gingivitis group, 11 (27.50%) samples of healthy group, and 12 (30%) samples of periodontitis group. Conclusions: Capnocytophaga is more prevalent in gingivitis compared to healthy periodontium and periodontitis. Capnocytophaga has the potential to cause periodontal disease, but as it is less competitive in the periodontal pocket, it is usually overgrown by other rapidly growing bacteria.

Detection and sampling methods for isolation of Candida spp. from oral cavities in diabetics and non-diabetics.

The purpose of this study was to detect Candida spp. on the tongue and in the subgingival sites in healthy and type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients with chronic periodontitis (CP), and to compare the accuracy of sampling methods. This study included 131 patients divided into four groups: healthy control (group A), nondiabetics + CP (Group B), diabetics with good metabolic control + CP (group C) and diabetics with poor glycoregulation + CP (Group D). Cotton swab samples from tongue and subgingival samples were obtained from each patient with help of sterile paper points and a sterile curette. Swab cultures were made on Sabouraud dextrose agar. The number of CFUs was counted. The sampling methods for subgingival plaque were compared by Receiving Operator Curve (ROC). The presence of Candida spp. on the tongue was statistically significant among groups (group D vs. others three groups: χ(2): p < 0.005 for each group). Positive findings of subgingival Candida spp. did not differ among the groups. There were no significant differences in the quantification of Candida spp., neither on the tongue, nor in the subgingival samples. 17.2% of diabetic patients revealed the presence of Candida spp. in the subgingival samples, with negative finding on tongue. There was a significant difference in the sampling methods for subgingival plaque (p = 0.000). Candida spp. is more prevalent on the tongue of diabetics. The sampling of subgingival plaque by a sterile curette is more accurate than with paper points. Subgingival plaque may represent a reservoir of commensals. It is necessary to standardize the sampling of subgingival plaque.

The frequency of Helicobacter pylori in dental plaque is possibly underestimated

ObjectiveThe commonest bacteria, causing infection across the world is Helicobacter pylori, which colonizes the human stomach. This bacteria has also been detected in some extra-gastric ecological niches such as the oral cavity and water. However, the results of H. pylori detection in extra-gastric ecological niche are controversial. The improvement of the sensitivity and the specificity of the detection methods appear to be some of the main bottleneck issues in providing compelling evidence. The aim of this study was to detect the presence of this organism in dental plaque samples using an analytically sensitive and specific Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) as well as a new nucleic acid detection method termed the Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP). DesignIn a descriptive cross-sectional study 45 participants enrolled and dental plaque samples were collected from at least two teeth surfaces (one anterior and one posterior tooth) using a sterile periodontal curette. The DNA content was extracted from the samples and the presence of H. pylori was determined by PCR and LAMP reactions. ResultsThe frequency of detection of H. pylori in the dental plaque samples were 44% (20/45), 66.67% (30/45) and 77.78% (35/45) using PCR, LAMP and positivity for both tests, respectively. ConclusionThe high frequency of H. pylori was detected in the dental plaque samples of the participants, which concurs with the high prevalence of this bacteria in the population. This is one of the highest reported rates around the world. The results reveal that dental plaque can be one of the main causes of re-infection and also be the cause of oral–oral transmission.