Biochemical Identification of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in an Indian Sample with Aggressive Periodontitis

Background: The role of microorganisms and the etiology of periodontal disease is well established. Despite the fact that periodontal diseases are caused by dental plaque there existed some controversies regarding the role of specific organisms in the pathogenesis of the periodontal disease. This problem was overcome by the specific plaque hypothesis. Generally, the periodontal pathogen Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) is identified employing anaerobic culture and in recent years through polymerized chain reaction. Very few attempts have been done to establish the confirmation of Aa through biochemical reactions. Hence this study was under taken to confirm Aa from the plaque sample by various biochemical tests.

Aim of the Study: Biochemical identification of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, a specific periodontal pathogen from the plaque samples of aggressive periodontitis patients.

Materials and Methods: A total of forty patients 24 males and 16 females in the age range of 18-25 yrs. Diagnosed as aggressive periodontitis were included in this study. Plaque samples were collected from the periodontal pockets of aggressive periodontitis patients and were subjected to various biochemical tests.

Results: Biochemical tests confirmed that the periodontal pathogen collected from the plaque samples were Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans.

Conclusion: Biochemical tests can be used as a viable economic alternative for the confirmation of the periodontal pathogen Aa.