Physiopathology of primary periodontitis associated with plaque. Microbial and host factors. A review. Part 1

Evaluation of the automicrobic system for the identification of Streptococcus mutans

The performance of the Automicrobic System with the Vitek gram-positive identification card (bioMérieux, France) in identifying strains of Streptococcus mutans was studied. Of 160 strains assayed, 72.5% were confirmed to be Streptococcus mutans; the remainder were identified as other species of streptocci (Streptococcus bovis, Streptococcus uberis, Streptococcus anginosus, Streptococcus sanguis I and II, Streptococcus intermedius, and Streptococcus constellatus).

Periodontal disease and leucopenia

Periodontal disease is rare in nature but widespread in domestic dog and cat populations. Unnatural diets are known to facilitate the buildup of oral microbial communities which then interact with host-immune defences giving rise to periodontitis. Eight of 14 animals undergoing dental treatment and dietary change at a suburban veterinary practice were investigated and found to have low leucocyte counts. Follow-up testing revealed changes averaging a 77.7 per cent increase with concomitant 'subjective good health'. These findings serve to cast doubt on the commonly used haematological reference ranges where the subject animals may have suffered from periodontal disease. The demonstrated reversibility of white cell depression associated with periodontal disease should provide a focus for further research.