Summary auto-generated
This study classified gram-negative, asaccharolytic bacteria isolated from human periodontal disease lesions using serological methods. Researchers examined 78 oral isolates and reference strains belonging to four species: Eikenella corrodens, Bacteroides gracilis, Wolinella recta, and Campylobacter concisus. Using microagglutination tests with rabbit antisera, they clearly differentiated these four oral species from each other and from biochemically similar organisms. E. corrodens showed significant antigenic diversity with six serogroups and considerable cross-reactivity, yet all isolates represented a single DNA homology group. W. recta formed two main serogroups plus an atypical strain. B. gracilis formed a single serogroup with no cross-reactivity to other species. C. concisus isolates (except strain 288) formed one serologically distinct group showing no cross-reactivity with reference Campylobacter species. The findings demonstrate that these periodontal pathogens can be reliably distinguished serologically despite biochemical similarities, supporting their classification as distinct species. Notably, E. corrodens serovars associated with rapidly progressive periodontal disease were absent from healthy gingival samples, suggesting differential pathogenicity among serovars.
Key findings
- The four oral bacterial species E. corrodens, B. gracilis, W. recta, and C. concisus were serologically distinct with no cross-reactivity between species using microagglutination testing.
- E. corrodens showed antigenic heterogeneity with six serogroups and extensive cross-reactivity, yet all belonged to a single DNA homology group.
- B. gracilis and most C. concisus isolates each formed single, distinct serogroups with no cross-reactivity to other species or reference strains.
- E. corrodens serovars from rapidly progressive periodontal disease patients were absent in isolates from healthy gingiva, suggesting certain serovars may be more pathogenic.
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Abstract
Gram-negative, asaccharolytic, agar-corroding organisms were isolated from lesions of advanced destructive periodontal disease. We grouped 78 oral isolates and reference strains of Eikenella corrodens, Bacteroides ureolyticus, Wolinella succinogenes (Vibrio succinogenes), and Campylobacter spp. serologically by using the microagglutination technique. The four species of oral organisms (E. corrodens, Bacteroides gracilis, Wolinella recta, and Campylobacter concisus) were clearly differentiated from each other on the basis of agglutination with rabbit antisera produced against representative live organisms. Agglutination patterns showed both a lack of intergroup relatedness among the oral isolates and a lack of serological identity with the biochemically similar organisms W. succinogenes, B. ureolyticus, and Campylobacter species.