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Phase contrast microscopy of microbial aggregates in the gingival sulcus of Macaca mulatta
Author(s) -
Leggott Penelope J.,
Anderson A. W.,
Punwani I.,
Sabet T.,
Murphy R.,
Crawford J.
Publication year - 1983
Publication title -
journal of clinical periodontology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.456
H-Index - 151
eISSN - 1600-051X
pISSN - 0303-6979
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-051x.1983.tb01290.x
Subject(s) - phase contrast microscopy , periodontal disease , flora (microbiology) , gingival sulcus , gingival and periodontal pocket , dentistry , medicine , biology , bacteria , physics , optics , genetics
Abstract The objective of this study was to study the relationship of microbial aggregates in the subgingival crevice to changes m periodontal health in Macaca mulatta. The sample included 68 oral sites from 17 Rhesus monkeys of various ages. The periodontal health of each site was evaluated using Plaque and Gingival Indices and crevice depth measurement. The subgingival plaque samples were examined by phase contrast microscopy and recorded on 16 mm film. A Microbial Index was developed based on a qualitative estimate of the numbers of organisms, morphology of predominant organisms, and the presence or absence of motility. The Microbial Index was demonstrated to be simple in use and highly reproducible. The findings indicate that changes in the Microbial Index are consistent with tissue changes seen in the periodontal status in M. mulatta. From this preliminary study, the oral flora of adult M. mulatta appears to have sufficient similarities to human oral flora to be used as a microbial model for experimental periodontal disease research. Future studies to refine and confirm the validity of the Microbial Index are warranted. It may prove to be a useful tool to monitor the effect of various treatment modalities on the periodontal flora and to determine the presence or absence of active disease.