Prevalence and distribution of serotype-specific genotypes of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in chronic periodontitis Brazilian subjects
Accepted 25 January 2010.
Abstract
Objective
Previous studies have suggested that Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is involved in the aetiology of aggressive periodontitis as well as chronic periodontitis. In addition, some authors have also reported that serotype-specific antigens of A. actinomycetemcomitans determine the severity of disease. This study aimed to elucidate the prevalence of A. actinomycetemcomitans and the distribution of A. actinomycetemcomitans serotypes in Brazilian subjects with chronic periodontitis.
Design
A total of 486 individuals were enrolled in this survey. All patients received clinical examinations that included periodontal pocket depth, clinical attachment loss, plaque, and gingival indexes. Subgingival samples were taken for microbial analysis. The genomic DNA of A. actinomycetemcomitans was provided by PCR.
Results
Out of 486 subjects examined, A. actinomycetemcomitans was isolated in 85 (17.5%) individuals. Out of 85 positive samples, 68 were infected by at least 1 serotype, 7 by mixed infection, and 10 were non-serotyped. Serotypes d and f were not detected. Serotype c showed the highest prevalence (52.9%), followed by serotype a (31.8%).
Conclusions
Intragroup analysis revealed that, in slight/moderate periodontitis, serotypes c and a were significantly more prevalent than serotypes b and d–f; the prevalence of serotype c in severe periodontitis was significantly greater than that of serotypes a and b. Our data were similar in Asian and Eurasian populations.
aDepartment of Periodontology and Preventive Dentistry, Dental Research Division, University of Taubaté, Rua Expedicionário Ernesto Pereira, 110, Taubaté 12020-330, SP, Brazil
bDivision of Periodontics, Department of Stomatology, School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Av. Professor Lineu Prestes, 2227, São Paulo 05508-900, SP, Brazil
cDepartment of Molecular Biology, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Avenida Antonio Carlos, 6627, Belo Horizonte 31270901, MG, Brazil
Corresponding author at: Rua Waldomiro Silveira, 18/71 Boqueirão, Santos, São Paulo 11055-150, Brazil. Tel.: +55 13 3222 1863.
ABSTRACT