Monoclonal antibodies for the detection of 'periodontopathic' bacteria.

The development of indirect immunofluorescence assays using MAbs as specific probes has made it possible to detect a variety of suspected periodontal pathogens in subgingival plaque, with exquisite sensitivity. The studies demonstrate high reproducibility of the results if different MAbs are used to assess the same bacterial species. Bacteroides forsythus, Bact. gingivalis, Bact. intermedius and Wolinella recta, but not Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans were found in sites of adult periodontitis with high prevalence but quite distinct degrees of colonization. The colonization levels of Bact. forsythus and Bact. gingivalis were significantly associated with the probing depth of the lesions. The investigations demonstrate the usefulness of serological analysis of plaque and indicate that several of the organisms implicated in the aetiology of periodontal diseases may be tolerated in high numbers in subgingival lesions, without periodontal destruction.