Detection of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and red complex bacteria from supragingival and subgingival plaque samples of healthy individuals before orthodontic treatment - A clinical and microbiological correlation

Background: Oral microbiota has an ecologically diverse microbial population. A disruption in the harmonious relationship between host and flora due to the placement of fixed orthodontic appliance might result in the initiation of periodontal diseases. The red complex organisms and Aa are known periodontal pathogens. Hence, investigating the potential for periodontal disease in patients before initiating orthodontic treatment would be beneficial and will help assess measures to be taken to maintain oral hygiene. Materials and Methods: A total of 75 periodontally healthy individuals (42 males and 33 females) in the age group of 15–25 years with an indication for orthodontic treatment were included. The gingival index (GI) and plaque index (PI) were assessed for every patient. Supra and Subgingival plaque samples were collected using sterile Gracey curettes. DNA extraction was done using modified proteinase K method. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to detect selected microorganisms. Species-specific primers targeting 16SrRNA gene were used. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and post hoc Bonferroni test for the presence of a combination of microorganisms and were correlated to clinical parameters. Results: The occurrence of a combination of microorganisms was significantly higher in subgingival plaque samples (P < 0.05) and was significantly correlated to the GI and PI (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The rate of the occurrence of microorganisms was higher in subgingival plaque samples as compared to supragingival plaque. The combination of the occurrence of microorganisms in subgingival plaque samples was significantly correlated to clinical parameters such as GI and PI.