title: A new method for assessing the % of spirochaetes in subgingival plaque.
abstract: A new method for counting the numbers of spirochaetes in subgingival plaque is described. The technique involves the combined use of a negative stained preparation, dark field microscopy, and an image analysing system. Advantages of the method include: smears need not be made until 2 days after sampling, and can be examined microscopically for up to 1 year after preparation; reproducibility of counts are more than 90% and the data can be computerised. The new method should prove useful in the routine assessment of subgingival plaque from patients with various forms of periodontitis, and in epidemiological surveys.
mesh_terms: D000814:Aniline Compounds; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000382:microbiology*; D005881:Gingiva; D006801:Humans; D008853:Microscopy / Q000379:methods; D010514:Periodontal Pocket / Q000382:microbiology; D013144:Spirochaetales / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D013194:Staining and Labeling
chemical_list: D000814:Aniline Compounds; C002712:nigrosin