Detection of Streptococcus anginosus from saliva by real-time polymerase chain reaction.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of the present investigation was to assess the salivary levels of Streptococcus anginosus in periodontitis patients.


RESULTS
The salivary levels of Strep. anginosus were assessed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Streptococcus anginosus was detected in 28 of 37 (75.6%) of periodontitis patients and in three of the 20 (15%) healthy subjects. The mean values for bleeding on probing and probing depth in positive patients were statistically higher than those in negative patients. A significant decrease in Strep. anginosus levels was observed after periodontal treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Although the levels of Strep. anginosus are extremely low, they may reflect the status of periodontal health.


CONCLUSIONS
Real-time PCR is a useful method for obtaining the relative quantities of Strep. anginosus from saliva samples and for monitoring the effect of therapy.
Kumagai
K
K
Department of Periodontology, Nihon University School of Dentistry, Kanda-Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
Sugano
N
N
Takane
M
M
Iwasaki
H
H
Tanaka
H
H
Yoshinuma
N
N
Suzuki
K
K
Ito
K
K
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010518:Periodontitis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry / Q000382:microbiology*; D013291:Streptococcus / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*