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A new method for assessing the % of spirochaetes in subgingival plaque
Author(s) -
MacFarlane T. Wallace,
McCourtie J. M.,
Watkins T. R.
Publication year - 1986
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.1986.tb00860.x
Subject(s) - spirochaete , periodontitis , dentistry , medicine , sampling (signal processing) , computer science , biology , bacteria , genetics , filter (signal processing) , computer vision
A new method for counting the numbers of spirochaetes in subgingival plaque is described. The technique involves the combined use of a negative stained preparation, dark field microscopy, and an image analysing system. Advantages of the method include: smears need not be made until 2 days after sampling, and can be examined microscopically for up to 1 year after preparation; reproducibility of counts are more than 90% and the data can be computerised. The new method should prove useful in the routine assessment of subgingival plaque from patients with various forms of periodontitis, and in epidemiological surveys.