Identification of Filifactor Alocis in Periodontal Biofilms using Polymerase Chain Reaction Technique: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

Background and aim: Contribution of organisms causing periodontal disease remains unclear. Strong association has emerged between the presence of gram-positive Filifactor alocis (F.alocis) and periodontitis. Hence, we aimed to identify the presence of F.alocis in periodontal biofilms through PCR technique in health and disease.

Settings and design: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 45 participants divided into three equal groups based on their periodontal conditions, namely, healthy, generalized chronic periodontitis (GCP) and generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAP).

Methods and materials: Subgingival plaque samples were obtained, and real-time PCR was used to identify the presence of F.alocis. The clinical parameters, plaque index, sulcus bleeding index, probing pocket depth, and clinical attachment level were determined.

Statistical analysis: The statistical analysis was done using the software SPSS (Statistical package for social science). All the data were analyzed using the ANOVA test.

Results: The difference between mean plaque index, sulcus bleeding index, probing pocket depth, and clinical attachment level was statistically significant between healthy and periodontitis (chronic and aggressive) sites. F.alocis was identified in all samples. The mean cycle threshold (CT) values of healthy, GCP, and GAP were 38.01, 30.85, and 28.92, respectively, and the results are statistically significant.

Conclusion: The load of organism was significantly higher in the GAP group followed by the GCP group and lowest in the healthy group. Bacterial load was highest in teeth with deep pockets. Hence, F.alocis seems to be a powerful diagnostic marker organism for periodontal disease, and it should be considered an important periodontal pathogen.