title: Ultrastructure of the subgingival microflora in juvenile periodontitis.
abstract: The ultrastructure of the subgingival deposits on the root surfaces of teeth affected by juvenile periodontitis was studied on 12 teeth from nine individuals, 15--30 years of age. The deposits consisted of either microbial masses associated with a pellicle, or of a cuticular material almost free of bacteria. Gram-negative rods and filaments were the predominant microorganisms. "Corncob" configurations consisting of filamentous bacteria surrounded by Gram-positive cocci, and "bristle brush" formations comprising corncobs surrounded by long rods were observed in the superficial layer of the plaque. Spirochetes and flagellated rods constituted a major segment of the microflora. The present data indicated that the deep pockets in juvenile periodontitis harbor a sparse but relatively characteristic microbial population.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D044622:Dental Pellicle; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005260:Female; D005881:Gingiva / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010518:Periodontitis / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology; D013357:Subgingival Curettage