Microbial composition of monkey dental plaque (Macaca arctoides and Macaca fascicularis).

The supragingival and subgingival dental plaque flora of Macaca arctoides and Macaca fascicularis monkeys were examined using mylar strip impressions, direct smears, and culture techniques. In smears, samples generally contained 40--50% cocci, 20--30% rods 8--20% fusiform bacteria, and 4--5% each of filaments, vibrios and spirochetes. Differences in the ratios of the various bacterial groups related to age and sex were found. Several monkey bacterial species were similar to those in human dental plaque. The present results indicate that the Macaca female monkey can be a suitable animal model for the experimental studies of dental diseases.