title: Recovery of putative pathogens from paper point sampling at different depths of periodontal lesions.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this study was to compare the recovery of three putative periodontal pathogens from periodontal lesions in samples using paper points inserted to different depths of the lesions.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty 6-8 mm deep periodontal lesions with bleeding on probing were studied. Microbial samples were obtained using paper points inserted to three different depths of the lesions: orifice of lesion; 2 mm into the lesion; and to the base of lesion. Culturing was used for recovery and identification of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Prevotella intermedia.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The recovery of each of the three putative periodontal pathogens was similar following sampling at the various depths of the lesions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings may be explained by the fact that the paper points become saturated as they pass through the orifice of the lesion. Absorption of microorganisms will therefore primarily occur at the orifice. It is also conceivable that the pathogens may be present in similar proportions throughout the various depths of the periodontal lesions.
authors.affiliation: School of Dentistry, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Nikola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Angelov
authors.forename: Raydolfo M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Aprecio
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kettering
authors.forename: Tord
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lundgren
authors.forename: Matt
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Riggs
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Egelberg
keywords: A. actinomycetemcomitans; P. gingivalis; P. intermedia; paper point sampling