Tjm. Vansteenbergen et al., INTRA-FAMILIAL TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION OF PREVOTELLA-INTERMEDIAAND PREVOTELLA-NIGRESCENS, Journal of Periodontal Research, 32(4), 1997, pp. 345-350
The periodontal bacteria Prevotella intermedia and Prevotella nigresce
ns have been recently separated from each other. The purpose of this s
tudy was to investigate the distribution and routes of transmission of
these bacteria among family members. Seven patients with moderate to
severe periodontitis were selected. These probands, their spouses and
14 of their children were investigated. The presence of Pr. intermedia
and Pr, nigrescens was determined by culture techniques in pooled sub
gingival plaque samples, in the saliva, on the tongue, tonsils and buc
cal mucosa. Differentiation of Pr. intermedia and Pr. nigrescens was p
erformed by enzyme electrophoretic mobility. From all 7 patients, as w
ell as 4 spouses and 3 of the children, Pr. intermedia could be isolat
ed. Pr. nigrescens was found in 2 of the 7 patients, in 5 of the spous
es and in 5 of the 6 children aged 5-10 yr. In the 8 children aged 0-4
yr both species were seldom isolated. These data are in accordance wi
th earlier findings that Pr. intermedia is associated with periodontit
is and Pr. nigrescens with a relatively healthy periodontal condition.
Ribotyping of bacteria was performed by hybridization of HindIII rest
riction endonuclease digests of chromosomal DNA with ribosomal DNA. Is
olates from unrelated individuals always had distinct ribotypes. Indis
tinguishable ribotypes of Pr. intermedia and Pr. nigrescens were found
both among married couples and among parents and children. This indic
ates that intrafamilial transmission of Pr. intermedia and Pr. nigresc
ens is possible both between adults and between parents and children.