Development of 16S rDNA-based PCR assay for detecting Centipeda periodontii and Selenomonas sputigena

To detect oral motile bacteria directly from dental plaque, specific PCR pr imers for Centipeda periodontii and Selenomonas sputigena were designed bas ed on the sequence analysis of their 16S rDNA. The primers were specific an d sensitive enough to amplify DNA fragments from the available oral bacteri a. The detection limit was fewer than 10 bacterial cells per sample. It was also possible to detect these bacteria in dental plaque. The prevalence of these bacteria varied in each sample. The specific primers designed in thi s study may clarify the epidemiology of periodontal disease.