The microbiota of early periodontitis lesions in adults.

The predominant cultivable microbiota of shallow progressive (active) periodontal lesions in 4 adults (29-40 years) was compared to that of shallow inactive sites. Periodontal attachment levels were monitored longitudinally, and sites showing 2-3 mm attachment loss in the previous 1-2 months were considered disease active. Inactive sites showed no change in attachment level. The microbiota of shallow sites was dominated by gram negative rod species including Wolinella recta, Bacteroides forsythus, and Fusobacterium nucleatum. W. recta was isolated in higher incidence and proportions from the active compared to inactive sites, and showed a positive relationship to bleeding on probing. Cluster analysis of species isolated from sites grouped sites from each individual together. This preliminary investigation suggested that a similar range of pathogens may be related to early periodontitis in adults as that previously reported for advanced diseased sites, and that different subjects may demonstrate different periodontal infections.