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Key events in the pathogenesis of Sjӧgren syndrome (SS) include the change of salivary gland epithelial cells into antigen-presenting cell-like phenotypes and focal lymphocytic sialadenitis (FLS). However, what triggers these features in SS is unknown. Dysbiosis of the gut and oral microbiomes is a potential environmental factor in SS, but its connection to the etiopathogenesis of SS remains unclear. This study aimed to characterize the oral microbiota in SS and to investigate its potential role in the pathogenesis of SS. Oral bacterial communities were collected by whole mouthwash from control subjects (14 without oral dryness and 11 with dryness) and primary SS patients (8 without oral dryness and 17 with dryness) and were analyzed by pyrosequencing. The SS oral microbiota was characterized by an increased bacterial load and Shannon diversity. Through comparisons of control and SS in combined samples and then separately in non-dry and dry conditions, SS-associated taxa independent of dryness were identified. Three SS-associated species and 2 control species were selected and used to challenge human submandibular gland tumor (HSG) cells. Among the selected SS-associated bacterial species, Prevotella melaninogenica uniquely upregulated the expression of MHC molecules, CD80, and IFNλ in HSG cells. Concomitantly, P. melaninogenica efficiently invaded HSG cells. Sections of labial salivary gland (LSG) biopsies from 8 non-SS subjects and 15 SS patients were subjected to in situ hybridization using universal and P. melaninogenica-specific probes. Ductal cells and the areas of infiltration were heavily infected with bacteria in the LSGs with FLS. Collectively, dysbiotic oral microbiota may initiate the deregulation of SGECs and the IFN signature through bacterial invasion into ductal cells. These findings may provide new insights into the etiopathogenesis of SS., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Microbial agents including periodontal pathogens have recently appeared as important actors in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. We examined associations of clinical periodontal and bacterial parameters with incident all-cause and AD dementia as well as AD mortality among US middle-aged and older adults. Clinical [Attachment Loss (AL); probing pocket depth (PPD)] and bacterial [pathogen immunoglobulin G (IgG)] periodontal markers were investigated in relation to AD and all-cause dementia incidence and to AD mortality, using data from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES III, 1988-1994) linked longitudinally with National Death Index and Medicare data through January 1, 2014, with up to 26 years of follow-up. Sex- and age-specific multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards models were conducted. Among those ≥65 years, AD incidence and mortality were consistently associated with PPD, two factors and one cluster comprised of IgG titers against Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), Prevotella melaninogenica (P. melaninogenica) and Campylobacter rectus (C. rectus) among others. Specifically, AD incidence was linked to a composite of C. rectus and P. gingivalis titers (per SD, aHR = 1.22; 95% CI, 1.04-1.43, p = 0.012), while AD mortality risk was increased with another composite (per SD, aHR = 1.46; 95% CI, 1.09-1.96, p = 0.017) loading highly on IgG for P. gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Prevotella nigrescens, Fusobacterium nucleatum, C. rectus, Streptococcus intermedius, Capnocylophaga Ochracea, and P. melaninogenica. This study provides evidence for an association between periodontal pathogens and AD, which was stronger for older adults. Effectiveness of periodontal pathogen treatment on reducing sequelae of neurodegeneration should be tested in randomized controlled trials.

The significance of anaerobic bacteria as a pathogen in urinary tract infection (UTI) in children is unclear. A two-month-old infant presenting with poor feeding received a diagnosis of polymicrobial anaerobic UTI by next-generation sequencing and was found to have obstructive uropathy. Anaerobic bacteria may be a cause of UTI in children with urinary tract obstruction., (Copyright © 2018 Japanese Society of Chemotherapy and The Japanese Association for Infectious Diseases. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Actinotignum schaalii (formerly Actinobaculum schaalii) is a Gram-positive, facultative anaerobic rod that is typically involved in urinary tract infections in elderly patients or those with underlying urological pathologies. In contrast, abscess formation caused by A. schaalii is very rare. We present a case of multiple abscesses in the perineal area in a young patient with hidradenitis suppurativa associated with A. schaalii and Prevotella melaninogenica and review the relevant literature on the topic., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Although numerous studies based on the bacteriology of the tonsil have been carried out, none of them analyzed the variation of tonsillar flora with respect to both age and tonsillar size. The purpose of this study was to isolate the facultative and obligate anaerobes both from the surface and the core of tonsils in recurrent tonsillitis as well as to analyze the variation of isolated bacterial strains according to age and tonsillar size. A prospective study was performed on 111 patients who underwent tonsillectomy. We analyzed the differences between the bacterial pathogens in recurrent tonsillitis and semi-growth estimates with regard to age and tonsillar grade. Among 111 cases, 604 bacterial strains of 21 different from the tonsil superficial and core were isolated. The most common facultative anaerobic species isolated from the surface and core were Coagulase-negative staphylococci, Alpha-hemolytic streptococci and Diphtheroid bacilli in all subgroups except patients below 8 years old. The most commonly obligate anaerobic species isolated from the core were Propionibacterium acnes, Prevotella melaninogenica and Peptostreptococcus anaerobius. We found no significant difference in the cultured bacteria with respect to age and tonsillar size. The study subgroups did not differ in the occurrence of semiquantitative growth estimates of 3-4+. Our study demonstrates that there is polymicrobial aerobic and anaerobic flora in tonsils with regardless of patient's age and tonsillar size. This polymicrobial spectrum of bacteria may contribute to recurrence and to the failure of conservative treatment of these cases and therefore leads to surgical therapy.

Ultra-deep Illumina sequencing was performed on whole genome amplified DNA derived from a Chlamydia trachomatis-positive vaginal swab. Alignment of reads with reference genomes allowed robust SNP identification from the C. trachomatis chromosome and plasmid. This revealed that the C. trachomatis in the specimen was very closely related to the sequenced urogenital, serovar F, clade T1 isolate F-SW4. In addition, high genome-wide coverage was obtained for Prevotella melaninogenica, Gardnerella vaginalis, Clostridiales genomosp. BVAB3 and Mycoplasma hominis. This illustrates the potential of metagenome data to provide high resolution bacterial typing data from multiple taxa in a diagnostic specimen., (©2013 The Authors Clinical Microbiology and Infection ©2013 European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases.)

Objectives: This study aims to assess the effects of rinsing with zinc- and chlorhexidine-containing mouth rinse with or without adjunct tongue scraping on volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) in breath air, and the microbiota at the dorsum of the tongue., Material and Methods: A randomized single-masked controlled clinical trial with a cross-over study design over 14 days including 21 subjects was performed. Bacterial samples from the dorsum of the tongue were assayed by checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization., Results: No halitosis (identified by VSC assessments) at day 14 was identified in 12/21 subjects with active rinse alone, in 10/21 with adjunct use of tongue scraper, in 1/21 for negative control rinse alone, and in 3/21 in the control and tongue scraping sequence. At day 14, significantly lower counts were identified only in the active rinse sequence (p < 0.001) for 15/78 species including, Fusobacterium sp., Porphyromonas gingivalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Tannerella forsythia. A decrease in bacteria from baseline to day 14 was found in successfully treated subjects for 9/74 species including: P. gingivalis, Prevotella melaninogenica, S. aureus, and Treponema denticola. Baseline VSC scores were correlated with several bacterial species. The use of a tongue scraper combined with active rinse did not change the levels of VSC compared to rinsing alone., Conclusions: VSC scores were not associated with bacterial counts in samples taken from the dorsum of the tongue. The active rinse alone containing zinc and chlorhexidine had effects on intra-oral halitosis and reduced bacterial counts of species associated with malodor. Tongue scraping provided no beneficial effects on the microbiota studied., Clinical Relevance: Periodontally healthy subjects with intra-oral halitosis benefit from daily rinsing with zinc- and chlorhexidine-containing mouth rinse.

Botryomycosis is an uncommon chronic suppurative granulomatous bacterial infection that can affect the skin and viscera. Clinically, lesions typically consist of small tender nodules from which draining sinuses may develop to expel a purulent discharge. Histopathological features include characteristic aggregation of microorganisms (grain) within the inflammatory infiltrate. The commonest causative organisms are Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, of others. Botryomycosis resulting from Prevotella melaninogenica has not been reported previously. We report the case of a middle-aged patient with botryomycosis presenting as nasal cutaneous fistulas caused by P. melaninogenica, which was successfully treated with surgical intervention combined with systemic antibiotic treatment., (© The Author(s). CED © 2011 British Association of Dermatologists.)

Background and Objective: The development of dental biofilms after professional plaque removal is very rapid. However, it is not clear whether most bacterial species return at similar rates in periodontally healthy and periodontitis subjects or if there are differences in bacterial recolonization between supragingival and subgingival biofilms in periodontal health and disease., Material and Methods: Supragingival and subgingival plaque samples were taken separately from 28 teeth in 38 healthy and 17 periodontitis subjects immediately after professional cleaning. Samples were taken again from seven teeth in randomly selected quadrants after 1, 2, 4 and 7 d of no oral hygiene and analyzed using checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization. The percentage of DNA probe counts were averaged within subjects at each time-point. Ecological succession was determined using a modified moving-window analysis., Results: Succession in supragingival biofilms from subjects with periodontitis and from healthy individuals was similar. At 1 d, Streptococcus mitis and Neisseria mucosa showed increased proportions, followed by Capnocytophaga gingivalis, Eikenella corrodens, Veillonella parvula and Streptococcus oralis at 1-4 d. At 4-7 d, Campylobacter rectus, Campylobacter showae, Prevotella melaninogenica and Prevotella nigrescens became elevated. Subgingival plaque redevelopment was slower and very different from supragingival plaque redevelopment. Increased proportions were first observed for S. mitis, followed by V. parvula and C. gingivalis and, at 7 d, by Capnocytophaga sputigena and P. nigrescens. No significant increase in the proportions of periodontal pathogens was observed in any of the clinical groups or locations., Conclusion: There is a defined order in bacterial species succession in early supragingival and subgingival biofilm redevelopment after professional cleaning., (© 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.)

Unlabelled: Maxillary sinus floor augmentation may have a variety of postoperative complications including infection, sequestration of bone, and maxillary sinusitis. Complications can also occur due to a preexisting sinus condition called ostium stenosis. This case report presents a complication after sinus lift and grafting procedure due to an unrecognized ostium stenosis., Case Report: A 50-year-old male patient had sinus augmentation on his right side. However, postoperatively, his symptoms were protracted. A CT scan showed thickening of the Schneiderian membrane and scattered graft material. Management included endoscopic nasal examination and ostium enlargement, antibiotic coverage, and full enucleation of the graft and diseased tissue., Conclusion: Patency of the sinus ostium should be carefully evaluated before sinus lift/grafting procedure using CT technology. Radiology and otolaryngology consultations may be necessary to rule out ostium stenosis before surgery.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of select microorganisms in oral biofilms and to investigate relationships between oral and respiratory status in persons with mental retardation/intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)., Study Design: We conducted a 6-month-long observational cohort study with 63 persons with IDD. Oral examinations, oral sampling, and medical record reviews were performed at baseline and then monthly. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to analyze all baseline oral samples for the presence of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Prevotella melaninogenica, and Candida albicans. PCR analyses were also performed on participants' samples collected in the month before being diagnosed with a respiratory infection., Results: All subjects had P. melaninogenica detected by PCR in their oral samples. Fifty-five percent (35 of 63) of participants had S. pneumoniae, MRSA, and C. albicans in their oral samples at baseline. No dental decay was detected clinically, oral hygiene was fair, and dysphagia was common. During the 6 months of the study, there were 22 respiratory infections (35% of participants)-12 pneumonias, 7 sinusitis, 1 bronchitis, and 1 upper respiratory tract infection. Participants with microorganisms in their baseline samples were significantly more likely to develop any respiratory infection and those who had poor oral status were significantly more likely to develop pneumonia. Almost 60% of participants who developed respiratory infections had the same microorganism detected in the sample collected in the month before infection as had been detected in their baseline sample., Conclusion: Potentially pathogenic microorganisms in the oral cavity and poor oral status significantly increased the risk of developing respiratory infections, including pneumonia, in persons with IDD. The results suggest that colonization with these microorganisms may persist despite routine tooth brushing. Meticulous comprehensive oral hygiene of the oral cavity may be needed to reduce oropharyngeal microbial load.

Introduction: Knowledge of the early oral colonization patterns could provide a better understanding of oral biofilm development and disease initiation that in turn could be the basis for early preventive programmes., Methods: Microbial samples were collected from five different oral habitats from a total of 93 children (age 3-12 years), attending the Dental School of the University of Athens, who were split into three age groups. A total of 38 microbial species were sought out by the checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization technique., Results: All of the test species, except Parvimonas micra and Porphyromonas gingivalis, differed significantly among sample locations providing quite distinct microbial profiles for the different oral surfaces. Supragingival and subgingival plaque had similar profiles and exhibited higher proportions of Actinomyces species and Green complex while soft tissue samples were dominated by streptococci of the Yellow complex. The profiles of the tongue dorsum and saliva were also similar. Many of the species were in similar proportions in all three age groups for a given location. Periodontal pathogens showed increases in proportions with increasing age. Specifically, the Red complex species (Tannerella forsythia, P. gingivalis, Treponema denticola) showed a significant increase in proportion with age (P < 0.05) in all sample locations., Conclusions: The results showed a pattern of colonization in children similar to that previously found in adults. Differences in the profile between age groups suggest a gradual maturation of the oral microbiota, with it being made up of an increasing number of Orange and Red complex species.

Background: We investigated clinical and subgingival microbiologic changes during pregnancy in 20 consecutive pregnant women > or =18 years not receiving dental care., Methods: Bacterial samples from weeks 12, 28, and 36 of pregnancy and at 4 to 6 weeks postpartum were processed for 37 species by checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization. Clinical periodontal data were collected at week 12 and at 4 to 6 weeks postpartum, and bleeding on probing (BOP) was recorded at sites sampled at the four time points., Results: The mean BOP at week 12 and postpartum was 40.1% +/- 18.2% and 27.4% +/- 12.5%, respectively. The corresponding mean BOP at microbiologic test sites was 15% (week 12) and 21% (postpartum; not statistically significant). Total bacterial counts decreased between week 12 and postpartum (P <0.01). Increased bacterial counts over time were found for Neisseria mucosa (P <0.001). Lower counts (P <0.001) were found for Capnocytophaga ochracea, Capnocytophaga sputigena, Eubacterium saburreum, Fusobacterium nucleatum naviforme, Fusobacterium nucleatum polymorphum, Leptotrichia buccalis, Parvimonas micra (previously Peptostreptococcus micros or Micromonas micros), Prevotella intermedia, Prevotella melaninogenica, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus anginosus, Streptococcus intermedius, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus sanguinis, Selenomonas noxia, and Veillonella parvula. No changes occurred between weeks 12 and 28 of pregnancy. Counts of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (previously Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans), Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia (previously T. forsythensis), and Treponema denticola did not change. Counts of P. gingivalis and T. forsythia at week 12 were associated with gingivitis (P <0.001)., Conclusions: Subgingival levels of bacteria associated with periodontitis did not change. P. gingivalis and T. forsythia counts were associated with BOP at week 12. A decrease was found in 17 of 37 species from week 12 to postpartum. Only counts of N. mucosa increased.

A 2-year-old male, otherwise healthy, suffered a total of 7 episodes of recurrent right-sided periorbital celluitis (POC) which began at 11 months of age. Five of the 7 episodes of right eye swelling/erythema required hospital admission for intravenous antibiotics. Imaging studies demonstrated a well-defined dehiscence in the lamina papyracea. Endoscopic sinus surgery was performed and an abnormal uncinate process was visualized, fused to the lateral nasal wall and ethmoid bulla. Post-operatively, the patient had no further infections. Nasal endoscopy and high-resolution imaging in pediatric patients with recurrent POC could identify those who would benefit from early surgical intervention.

Acute dacryocystitis usually induces preseptal infection. In rare instances the infection that is confined to the lacrimal sac can extend to the orbital contents resulting in orbital cellulitis. We present a case of intraconal abscess secondary to acute dacryocystitis and review the literature of orbital cellulitis resulting from acute lacrimal sac infection.

Unlabelled: The aim of this study was to isolate and identify at species level the strains of anaerobic Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) from pus samples collected in patients with abscesses of fascial spaces of the face and neck. Microscopy of Gram-stained smears and cultures were performed in each specimen. The strictly anaerobic GNB strains were identified using the conventional methods of diagnosis and the Rapid ID 32 A system. In addition, the other strains isolated in association with these bacteria were identified at least to genus level. The 28 anaerobic GNB isolates belonged to: Fusobacterium nucleatum and different species of Prevotella (4 species) and Bacteroides (3 species)., Conclusions: The anaerobic GBN strains were recovered--either alone or in association with other migroorganisms--in more than half of all investigated samples and represented about 40% of all isolates. The most frequently isolated species were P> melaninogenica and B. ureolyticus.

Background: Dentin dysplasia type I (DDI) is a rare hereditary disturbance of dentin formation. It is characterized by clinically normal-appearing crowns; obliteration of pulp chambers; and short, blunted and malformed roots that are commonly associated with periodontal attachment loss (PAL). In this context, we report three cases within a family with similar clinical and radiographic features of DDI but with differing microbiologic and periodontal conditions., Methods: A 42-year-old white female and her two daughters (25 and 10 years of age) presented with a diagnosis of DDI. Probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), visible plaque, and bleeding on probing (BOP) were recorded. Subgingival biofilm samples were randomly collected and analyzed by checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization., Results: The mother presented 34.9% of sites with PD > or =4 mm, 41.3% of sites with CAL > or =4 mm, and 57% of sites with BOP; both daughters presented no sites with PD or CAL >3 mm and <10% of sites with BOP. Microbiologic analysis detected Gemella morbillorum, Neisseria mucosa, and Staphylococcus aureus in > or =50% of the mother's samples. The daughters showed high levels (>10(4) bacterial cells) of some periodontopathic bacteria, including members of the red (Porphyromonas gingivalis) and orange (Fusobacterium periodonticum and F. nucleatum polymorphum) complexes and beneficial species of the yellow (Streptococcus gordonii) and purple (Veillonella parvula) complexes. The mother presented high mean levels only for four tested species (N. mucosa, Prevotella melaninogenica, Treponema denticola, and V. parvula)., Conclusion: A combination of radiographs, microbiologic analysis, and preventive professional monitoring care is important to avoid PAL and to provide oral health in patients with DDI.

Purpose: Body piercing has become increasingly prevalent. We describe a case of breast infection with combined mycobacteria and anaerobe following nipple piercing, and review the literature., Case: A 17-year-old female developed a breast abscess 4 months after nipple piercing. Cultures grew Prevotalla melangenica and Mycobacterium fortuitum. She required drainage and antibiotic treatment. Three months into her treatment she stopped her medications, relapsed, and required drainage. Two months later, on antimycobacteria therapy, her wound is healing., Discussion: Review of the infectious complications of nipple piercing yielded 12 cases, 5 of which had a foreign body. The pathogens isolated (coagulase negative staphylococcus, mycobacteria, streptococcus, anaerobe, and gordonia) are not the usual organisms to be isolated from a breast abscess. This could result from reporting bias or the presence of a foreign body, the nipple ring. The three cases of mycobacteria, in addition to ours, are reviewed. The average age is 22 years. Three to 9 months elapsed between piercing and infection. All cases required drainage. Antimycobacteria therapy was used in three of the four cases for 10 days to 6 months., Conclusion: With the increasing prevalence of body piercing, it is important to document and report infections. We describe a breast abscess following nipple piercing with combined anaerobic and a mycobacterial pathogens. This underscores the need for obtaining cultures including anaerobes and mycobacteria.

Purpose: A relationship between the distribution of periodontal bacteria species and malodor in children has not been sufficiently investigated. The present study was undertaken to determine the presence of 3 periodontopathic bacteria (Prevotella spp. P. intermedia, P. nigrescens, P. melaninogenica) in the supragingival plaques of 3 to 16-year-old children with different oral health conditions and oral malodor., Methods: The number of decayed and filled primary teeth (df) and Decayed, Missing and Filled permanent teeth (DMF), Papillary Marginal and Attached gingivitis (PMA) index, Oral Hygiene Index (OHI), and oral malodor of each subject were determined prior to the collection of supragingival plaques. Three periodontopathic bacteria (P. intermedia, P. nigrescens, P. melaninogenica) in supragingival plaques were detected by using an immunoslot blot assay with monoclonal antibodies specific for each microorganism., Findings: The frequencies of periodontopathic bacteria in children with and without caries were not significantly different from each other. Positivity for P. intermedia, but not for P. nigrescens or P. melaninogenica was correlated with oral malodor. Oral malodor was also correlated with the debris index, a component of OHI. The group with the higher OHI showed a higher prevalence of periodontopathic bacteria. For the 3 periodontopathic bacteria in the subjects tested, plaques positive for any of them were not age related. However the frequencies of all 3 periodontopathic bacteria were the highest in the 3-6-year olds., Conclusion: The supragingival plaques in children can harbor 3 species of periodontopathic bacteria, P. intermedia, P. nigrescens, and P. melaninogenica.

The aim of this work is to emphasize that particular stains on the third cervical of the buccal and lingual surfaces in mixed dentition, called "black stain." Previous research showed the microbiological etiology of this discoloration by chromogen bacterias. Our study shows bacteria spp involved in stains by means of PCR process and electrophoresis gel on the agarose medium. Sample was formed by 100 subject with black stain and 100 control subjects stain-free. A statistical analysis (SPSS 10.0) using X2 was performed in this study. Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella melaninogenica, were not involved in both in black stain subjects and in the control. On the contrary, Actinomyces could be involved in the pigmentation process.

We present a case of a 29-y-old woman with rectocele, cystocele, and uterine prolapse who developed a vaginal infection after the placement of a macroporous polypropylene vaginal mesh. Bacteroides melaninogenicus was isolated from the area of the infection. The exposed parts of the mesh were removed and she received treatment with metronidazole and doxycycline. No recurrence of the infection was noted during 12 months of follow-up. However, the patient continued to avoid intercourse due to severe dyspareunia. Vaginal mesh-related infections represent an emerging type of infection that may complicate reconstructive surgery in patients with pelvic organ prolapse.

Endocarditis is a serious complication of injection drug use most commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus. We report a case of tricuspid valve polymicrobial bacterial endocarditis in an injection drug user from 3 oral anaerobes: Actinomyces odontolytica, Veillonella species, and Prevotella melaninogenica. The patient was believed to have acquired these organisms from his habit of licking the needle in order to gauge the strength of the cocaine prior to injection. The patient was successfully treated with a 6-week course of penicillin G and metronidazole. This case demonstrates the importance of a detailed history in designing empiric therapy.

Background: The purpose of the present investigation was to determine if the salivary counts of 40 common oral bacteria in subjects with an oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) lesion would differ from those found in cancer-free (OSCC-free) controls., Methods: Unstimulated saliva samples were collected from 229 OSCC-free and 45 OSCC subjects and evaluated for their content of 40 common oral bacteria using checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization. DNA counts per ml saliva were determined for each species, averaged across subjects in the 2 subject groups, and significance of differences between groups determined using the Mann-Whitney test and adjusted for multiple comparisons. Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity in detection of OSCC by levels of salivary organisms were computed and comparisons made separately between a non-matched group of 45 OSCC subjects and 229 controls and a group of 45 OSCC subjects and 45 controls matched by age, gender and smoking history., Results: Counts of 3 of the 40 species tested, Capnocytophaga gingivalis, Prevotella melaninogenica and Streptococcus mitis, were elevated in the saliva of individuals with OSCC (p < 0.001). When tested as diagnostic markers the 3 species were found to predict 80% of cancer cases (sensitivity) while excluding 83% of controls (specificity) in the non-matched group. Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity in the matched group were 80% and 82% respectively., Conclusion: High salivary counts of C. gingivalis, P. melaninogenica and S. mitis may be diagnostic indicators of OSCC.

A 35-year-old, previously healthy female presented with severe low back pain, fever, and a high erythrocyte sedimentation rate 1 week after a routine dental cleaning. Technetium-labeled leukocyte scanning and magnetic resonance imaging scan of the spine were negative for osteomyelitis. The patient underwent biopsy, cultures from which grew Prevotella (Bacteroides) melaninogenicus. Appropriate antibiotic therapy resulted in resolution of symptoms. P. melaninogenicus is a gram-negative anaerobic bacillus that is part of the indigenous oral flora. It may cause dental, sinus, skin, and soft tissue infections. Infection of bone is rare. Only three cases of vertebral osteomyelitis due to P. melaninogenicus have been reported in the literature. The early diagnosis of vertebral osteomyelitis requires a high index of clinical suspicion and cannot be excluded by negative imaging tests alone. The recovery of this unusual organism highlights the importance of requesting anaerobic cultures of biopsy specimens.

The aim of the study was to identify at species level the Prevotella strains from 30 pus samples collected by needle aspiration in patients with abscesses of fascial spaces of the face and neck. Microscopy of Gram-stained direct smear and cultures on selective and nonselective media incubated aerobically and anaerobically were performed in each pus specimen. All strains of Gram-negative strictly anaerobic bacilli were identified to genus and species level using conventional methods of diagnosis and the Rapid ID 32 A system (BioMérieux, Marcy-l'Etoile, France). The Prevotella isolates were recovered (alone or in association with other bacteria) in 46.6% of the investigated specimens and were represented in reverse order of frequency by the following species: P. melaninogenica, P. denticola, P. oralis and P. loescheii. In conclusion, the rate of Prevotella isolation was relatively high and the most frequently isolated species was P. melaninogenica (followed by P. denticola), while no P. intermedia was found.

Aim: To evaluate the relationship between oral bacteria species detection and volatile sulphide compounds (VSC) concentration in the elderly., Design: Cross-sectional microbiological and clinical VSC examination of elderly., Participants: Sixty-seven elderly people aged 75, who were functionally independent and dentate., Methods: VSC (H2S and CH3SH) concentrations in the mouth air of subjects were measured using portable gas chromatography. Oral bacteria samples were taken from dental plaque and identification of bacteria species was accomplished using standard methods., Results: Fewer than 20% of subjects showed more than 10 ng/10 ml of H2S (severe odour level). The detection rate of P. melaninogenica was significantly higher in elderly people with more than 10 ng/10 ml (p=0.043) levels. Fusobacterium had a tendency to be found in those with more than 10 ng/10 ml, but a significant relation was not found., Conclusions: The results suggest that Fusobacterium and P. melaninogenica may be involved in the production of H2S in the oral cavity of elderly people.

After parturition fewer first dominant follicles are selected in the ovary ipsilateral to the previously gravid uterine horn in cattle. However, the presence of a large oestradiol-secreting follicle in the ipsilateral ovary is a predictor of fertility, possibly due to a localised effect of oestradiol which increases the rate of elimination of the ubiquitous uterine bacterial contamination that occurs after calving. The present study tested the hypothesis that oestradiol reduces uterine bacterial contamination when administered into the uterine lumen around the expected time for selection of the first postpartum dominant follicle. Animals were infused with saline (n=15) or 10mg oestradiol benzoate (n=15) into the previously gravid uterine horn on Days 7 and 10 postpartum. Peripheral coccygeal blood samples were collected daily and oestradiol concentrations measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Uterine lumen swabs were collected 7, 14 and 21 days postpartum for aerobic and anaerobic culture, bacteria were identified and growth scored semi-quantitatively. Plasma oestradiol concentrations were higher for treated animals between Days 7 and 14 (1.4+/-0.1 versus 2.0+/-0.2 pg/ml, P<0.05). Control animals had a similar bacterial growth score on Days 7 and 14, with a lower value on Day 21 (5.7+/-1.0 and 6.1+/-0.7 versus 0.3+/-0.1, P<0.05). However, treated animals had a surprising higher bacterial load on Day 14, than on Days 7 or 21 (7.1+/-0.9 versus 4.0+/-0.6 or 3.6+/-0.6, P<0.05). The increased score was attributable to more pathogens associated with endometritis on Day 14 than Day 7 (5.1+/-1.0 versus 2.5+/-0.5, P<0.05), in particular Prevotella melaninogenicus (1.5+/-0.5 versus 0.7+/-0.2, P<0.05) and Fusobacterium necrophorum (1.5+/-0.4 versus 0.3+/-0.2, P<0.05). In conclusion, administration of oestradiol into the uterine lumen surprisingly increased uterine pathogenic anaerobic bacterial contamination. Thus, it is unlikely that increased fertility associated with a first dominant follicle in the ipsilateral ovary is a consequence of the elimination of bacterial contamination by ovarian oestradiol.

Osteomyelitis in a diabetic patient with a nonhealing foot ulcer, multiple medical conditions, and recurrent hospitalization for antibiotic therapy was found to be associated with gram-negative bacteria Prevotella melanginoganica and Prevotella melaninoganica hemagglutinating variant. Those organisms were identified due to the morphologically distinct features in electron microscopy and sequencing of the genes after Polymerase chain reaction amplification from the pathological material. The bacteria invaded the bone and resided in osteocyte, osteoblast, and endothelial cells. The bacteria are usually associated with periodontal plaques, causing inflammation and destruction of gingival tissue and resorption of the alveolar bone. This is the first ultrastructural and molecular study of a diabetic bone lesion with anaerobic bacterial infection.

Three cases of bacterial brain abscesses, in immunocompetent patients, are reported. In all these cases, the diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance (MRI) with apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map has permitted an early diagnosis and a rapid treatment. This emergency MRI showed in the three cases a low signal on TI-weighted images, a high signal on T2-weighted and echo-planar images, and a decrease of ADC (0.36- 0.49 x 10(-3) mm2/s). So, this new MRI technique provides an available and rapid element in the brain abscess diagnosis which often remains a complex clinical and radiological diagnosis.

This study looked for beta-lactamase production in 100 Prevotella isolates. MICs were determined for amoxycillin, ticarcillin, amoxycillin+clavulanate, cephalothin, cefuroxime, cefixime, cefpodoxime and cefotaxime using the reference agar dilution method (standard M11 A4, NCCLS). Beta-lactamase activity was detected in 58 of the 100 isolates, 24 of 46 black-pigmented Provotella and 34 of 54 non-pigmented Prevotella. All beta-lactamase-negative strains were susceptible to all beta-lactam antibiotics with the exception of cefuroxime and cefixime. Overall, resistance rates of Prevotella strains were lower for ticarcillin (8%) and celefotaxime (12%) than for the other cephalosporins. All Prevotella isolates were susceptible to amoxycillin and were all inhibited by 2 mg/l or less amoxycillin [corrected].

Glossal abscess is infrequent in children. Anaerobic bacteria are rarely recovered from this infection and never have been reported in children or adolescents. A 15-year-old patient presented with a tongue abscess following trauma. Aspirate of the abscess yielded polymicrobial anaerobic flora: Prevotella melaninogenica, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Peptostreptococcus micros. The patient recovered following incision and drainage and 14 days of antimicrobial therapy with clindamycin. This report illustrates the recovery of anaerobic bacteria from glossal abscess in an adolescent.

Background: The present study was conducted to assess the association between selected clinical parameters and the distribution of Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Prevotella intermedia (Pi), Prevotella nigrescens (Pn), and Prevotella melaninogenica (Pm) in supra- and subgingival plaque samples measured by an immunoslot blot assay (IBA) using their monoclonal antibodies., Methods: Plaque samples from 299 patients aged 6 to 69 randomly chosen from a group of dental outpatients were examined. Plaque index, gingival index, and probing depths were evaluated according to the criteria of positive (cell number > or = 10(6)) or negative (<106) reactivity to the 4 different monoclonal antibodies., Results: An increase in probing depth in subjects exhibiting either a positive or negative reaction for the 4 test bacteria was associated with increasing age. Comparing bacteria-positive subgingival plaque samples to their corresponding bacteria-negative counterparts, we found an increased plaque index in children positive for any of the 4 bacteria; in addition, that for Pg and Pi was increased in subjects 40 to 49 years old. The gingival index increased with increasing amount of Pi and Pn, but not with Pg and Pm in those 20 to 29 years of age. The frequency of Pg reactivity in subgingival plaque was markedly enhanced in subjects older than 30 to 39 years of age, and was significantly higher than that in supragingival plaque. The frequency of Pi and Pn reactivity was significantly increased in adults aged 20 to 29 and plateaued at older ages. The frequency of Pm reactivity was relatively low and independent of subject age., Conclusions: The increase in probing depth with increasing age was not affected by the occurrence of periodontopathic bacteria. The high rate of occurrence of Pg, together with Pi and Pn, in subgingival plaque of the adult age groups was suggested to be associated with the high frequency of periodontal disease in the older age groups (above 30 to 49 years of age). The IBA appears to be useful for the efficient and rapid detection of periodontopathic bacteria.

Staphylococci are the usual bacterial etiology of suppurative parotitis in newborns. This report describes for the first time recovery of anaerobic bacteria from aspirates of the infected gland in two infants with suppurative parotitis. Peptostreptococcus intermedius and Prevotella melaninogenica were isolated from one child and Prevotella intermedia from the other patient. Complete recovery occurred after 4 weeks of antimicrobial therapy.

The purpose of this study was to compare the subgingival microbiota of two geographically distinct patient populations using identical clinical and bacteriological methods. Adult patients with a diagnosis of periodontitis were consecutively selected according to pre-defined clinical criteria. Microbiological samples were taken from the deepest four sites with bleeding. The samples were plated on blood agar plates, for the determination of the total anaerobic counts and identification of specific bacterial pathogens, and on TSBV and McConkey for isolation of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and enteric rods, respectively. Thirty-one patients in Spain and 30 patients in The Netherlands were selected. Both patient groups showed similar clinical characteristics, both in terms of age, gender and periodontal clinical variables. A. actinomycetemcomitans was significantly more prevalent (23.3% vs. 3.2%) in the Dutch group, while Porphyromonas gingivalis was significantly more prevalent (64.5% vs. 36.7%) in the Spanish group. Bacteroides forsythus and most commensal periodontal pathogens showed similar prevalences, except Peptostreptococcus micros that was significantly more frequent in the Dutch group (96.7% vs. 74.2%). In summary, the subgingival microbiota from the Spanish group was characterised by a high prevalence of P. gingivalis and low of A. actinomycetemcomitans, while the flora from the Dutch group was characterised by a high prevalence of A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. micros.

Objective: To investigate anaerobic infection and its rapid detection in surgical patients., Methods: 372 specimens were collected from surgical patients for anaerobe detection. To find a rapid detectable method, 110 specimens were collected for comparative studies by using indirect immunofluorescent antibody technique (IFA), enzyme labeled antibody technique (ELAT) and general cultural method (CM)., Results: The isolation rate of anaerobes was rather high in pyothorax (88.9%), abdominal abscess (86.7%), appendicitis (83.9%) and cerebral abscess (all five cases were positive). In burn wounds, the rate was about 23.6% especially in deep burn wounds. Among 212 strains detected, the predominant anaerobes were as follows B. melaninogenicus (28.8%), B. fragilis (25%), F. nucleatum (7.5%), C. perfringens (7.5%), and peptostreptococcus (5.7%); most of them (87.8%) were non-sporing anaerobes. Mixed infection with aerobes accounted for 64%. The survey of rapid detection was conducted in B. fragilis, B. melaninogenicus, C. perfringens, F. nucleatum and peptostreptococcus. The detectable rate was higher in IFA (79.1%) and ELAT (80.9%) than in CM (37.3%)., Conclusion: IFA and ELAT might be rapid, specific, sensitive, and simple for detecting anaerobes.

Black-pigmented bacteria (BPB) have been associated with endodontic infections. The purpose of this study was to evaluate further the presence of BPB with the clinical signs and symptoms associated with endodontic infections. Microbial samples were collected from the root canals of 40 intact teeth with necrotic pulps and apical periodontitis. Conventional laboratory methods were used for identification of the strains of BPB isolated in pure culture. In addition, the polymerase chain reaction and specific primers for 16S r-RNA genes were used to differentiate Prevotella nigrescens from Prevotella intermedia. Twenty-two (55%) samples were positive for the growth of BPB. Of those, 11 of 22 (50%) were identified as P. nigrescens, 8 of 22 (36%) were P. intermedia, 2 of 22 (9%) were Porphyromonas gingivalis, and 1 of 22 (5%) was Prevotella melaninogenica. Sixteen of the 22 root canals positive for the growth of BPB were associated with purulent drainage either from the root canal or an associated sinus tract. Statistical analysis did not show a significant relationship for the presence of BPB with clinical signs and symptoms.

Background: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between the occurrence of certain specific periodontal pathogens and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF)., Methods: Thirty systemically healthy subjects with moderate to advanced periodontitis were selected. Within each subject, the AST contents of GCF from sites with probing depth between 5 mm and 7 mm were measured using a chairside colorimetric test. AST-positive site refers to one that had an AST level > or = 800 microIU. Subgingival plaque samples from one AST-positive and one negative site were collected for microbiological examination. One site with probing depth < or = 3 mm and no gingival inflammation was selected as a healthy control. Clinical parameters of the chosen sites, including the plaque index and gingival index scores, probing depth, and clinical attachment level were measured. Culture and immunofluorescence (IF) were used for detecting common periodontal pathogens, including Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Peptostreptococcus micros, Campylobacter rectus, Eikenella corrodens, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Capnocytophaga species, Prevotella intermedia, Prevotella melaninogenica, and Porphyromonas gingivalis. Logistic regression was used to analyze the correlation between the AST test and certain specific pathogens., Results: The GCF scores and total cultivable bacterial counts were higher in AST-positive sites than either AST-negative or healthy sites. The prevalence and proportions of specific periodontal pathogens such as C rectus, E. corrodens, F. nucleatum, Capnocytophaga species, P. intermedia, and P. gingivalis were significantly higher in positive than in negative sites. In analyzing the correlation of the proportion of 6 pathogens with the AST test by logistic regression, only P. gingivalis showed a significant positive correlation. The odds ratio of having a high proportion of P. gingivalis in the presence of a positive AST test was 1.21., Conclusions: The present study showed that at AST-positive sites, there is a higher prevalence and higher proportion of certain periodontal pathogens. Although only the correlation of P. gingivalis and AST values was statistically significant, the results imply that certain periodontal pathogens may be associated with elevation of AST levels in GCF.

Strains resembling Prevotella melaninogenica were isolated from healthy subjects and patients with periodontal disease and were identified using: a 5-test phenotypic screen; commercial identification kits; and a 16S rRNA-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Eleven clinical isolates closely resembling P. melaninogenica, and all from patients with periodontitis, were able to agglutinate erythrocytes. In the electron microscope, hemagglutinating isolates showed fimbria-like structures, that were not seen on non-hemagglutinating isolates. Some strains were further classified with PCR-restriction fragment-length polymorphism (RFLP) of 16S rRNA genes. Amplified 16S rDNA was digested using five different endonucleases, separated with agarose gel electrophoresis, stained and photographed. Photographs were then scanned, digitized and a distance matrix calculated using Dice coefficient, where the presence or absence of a band was used as a character. The distance matrix was plotted as a phenogram. At 70% similarity six clusters were seen. Type strains of separate Prevotella species did not fall into any cluster. Hemagglutinating isolates fell into three clusters: four clustered with the type strains of P. melaninogenica and Prevotella veroralis; four with other P. melaninogenica isolates and two hemagglutinating isolates clustered together Prevotella loescheii. The PCR-RFLP results showed that the hemagglutinating strains did not form a homogenous group inside the Prevotella genus.

A qualitative analysis of microflora from pharynx of 100 cases of acute pharyngitis and acute tonsillitis was performed. These patients were randomly divided into two groups so as to assess treatment effect of Taileqi troches vs Amoxycillin. Results showed that beta-hemolytic streptococcus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, staphylococcus aureus were the most common organisms causing diseases. The predominant anaerobic organisms were bacteroides melaninogenicus, eptostrep. These findings suggest that anaerobic bacteria may play a pathogenic role in infection of the pharynx. The effective rate of treatment with troche alone were 86 percent, roughly consistent with Amoxycillin group. No adverse effect was observed.

Microbial colonization of barrier materials used in guided tissue regeneration (GTR) is known to adversely affect treatment outcomes. The purpose of this study was to compare the rate at which 11 commonly-occurring oral bacteria species colonize three different barrier materials (collagen, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, and polylactic acid). The study group consisted of 10 systemically healthy individuals with no history of periodontal disease and absence of antimicrobial therapy within the previous 3 months. In each patient, 4 teeth per quadrant (P1, P2, M1, M2) were selected and 3 teeth were randomly assigned as test teeth while the remaining tooth acted as a control site (i.e., natural colonization of the tooth surface). These teeth were then randomly assigned to receive one of the three barrier types (i.e., each patient received 4 barriers of each type, 1 per quadrant). A 2 x 5 mm piece of barrier material was positioned over the oral surface of the buccal marginal gingiva and secured with an external sling suture. With oral hygiene procedures suspended, one barrier of each type was collected at 1, 3, 7, and 14 days. Slot immunoblot assay demonstrated that all species types (A. actinomycetemcomitans, A. viscosus, B. melaninogenicus, F. nucleatum, P. gingivalis, P. intermedia, S. mutans, S. sanguis, Selenomonas sputigena, T. denticola, and T. vincentii) were present. Semi-quantitative scoring (scale 0 to 3) of slot blot results and analysis by chi-square ratio and Pearson correlation test indicated that while total bacteria adherence increased over time (P < 0.05), the 3 barrier types and the control sites did not differ in numbers or species of colonizing bacteria detected per time point. These results suggest that under these experimental conditions the barrier materials tested do not differ in bacteria adherence or antimicrobial properties.

Objective: Despite a reduction in the incidence, deep-neck space infections are still seen today with definite potential for significant morbidity and even mortality., Design: The authors present their experience in the management of 16 patients with 19 deep-neck space abscesses. The distribution of the abscesses were: 5 Ludwig's angina, 4 parapharyngeal abscesses, 3 retropharyngeal abscesses, 3 in the sub-mandibular triangle, 3 in the deep anterior triangle, and 1 in the deep posterior triangle., Results: The source of infection was odontogenic in six patients, pharyngeal in three, otogenic in one, and could not be identified in the other six patients. Most cases presented with pain and neck swelling. Plain x-ray films, computed tomography, ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging were the main diagnostic procedures. Positive culture was obtained in only nine cases (56.2%). No predominant single organism was identified. Antimicrobial therapy and surgical drainage were the mainstay of treatment. Two cases were complicated by internal jugular-vein thrombophlebitis. All the patients survived without major residual sequelae., Conclusions: The etiology, presentation, and management of deep-neck space infections are briefly reviewed.

The purpose of this study was to assess the oral clinical and microbiological status of young adults 6 years after puberty and to compare these findings with the conditions observed during puberty. Clinical and microbiological parameters were monitored in 42 individuals 10 x between the ages of 11 and 14 years. 33 individuals were re-examined 10 years after the start of this monitoring. Microbiology included 2 subgingival samples per subject taken from the mesiobuccal aspects of the upper 1st molars. The samples were subject to continuous anaerobic culturing. Individuals with a marked and sustained increase in mean papillary bleeding scores during puberty (group A, n = 16) differed 6 years later from individuals without pronounced puberty gingivitis (group C, n = 8) in several aspects. Individuals in group A had a significantly higher gingival bleeding tendency and an increased number of sites with more than 3 mm attachment loss. The subjects in group C showed the lowest anaerobic total cultivable counts. Spirochetes were detected only in group A subjects (4 samples in 3 individuals). In all positive sites, spirochetes had been identified at least 8 out of 10 times during puberty. A. actinomycetemcomitans was present in only one individual of group A. P. gingivalis had not been detected during puberty; none of the samples were P. gingivalis positive 6 years later. P. intermedia was found in 27% of all samples, isolates belonging to the P. melaninogenica group of black pigmenting anaerobes had a frequency of 6%, 6 years after puberty.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)