[A rapid diagnosis for periodontitis based on the enzymatic activity of periodontopathic bacteria. The application of the SK-013 to the judgement on the effect of initial preparation].

The purpose of the present study was to examine the diagnostic value of the SK-013 (Sunstar, Osaka) in evaluating the effect of initial preparation. The SK-013 is a highly sensitive reagent to measure peptidase activity specifically produced by Bacteroides gingivalis. Bacteroides forsythus, and Treponema denticola. Thirty-six sites in 16 periodontitis patients were monitored in this study. The clinical status of each site was assessed using the clinical indices such as gingival index (GI), plaque index (PII), probing depth (PD), and bleeding on probing (BOP). The composition of subgingival microflora in samples was determined using phase contrast microscopy. Clinical, microbiological, and enzymatic examinations were made at five separate appointments, as follows: (1) at baseline prior to plaque control instruction; (2) 4 weeks following plaque control instruction; and (3) 2, 4, 8 weeks following scaling and root planing of periodontal sites. The results of these examinations were compared statistically. The correlation was positive between the total counts of bacteria including spirochetes and motile rods and the enzymatic activity identified using the SK-013. Also the enzymatic profile was highly correlated with microbiological findings other than clinical indices. These results show that the SK-013 is a clinically useful diagnostic method for assessing the effect of initial periodontal therapy.