Molecular Detection of Some Bacterial and Parasitic Agents Associated with Periodontitis

Background:: Periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disease, is a multifactorial disease where its progression depends on the complex interaction between the oral micro-biota and the host immune response. This research aim to investigate the distribution of pathogens associated with periodontitis. Methods: A total of 50 tooth brush specimens were collected from patients with periodontitis and undergoes direct extraction and isolation of genomic DNA. PCR technique was followed up for detection of pathogenic bacteria associated with periodontitis using Aggrega-hbpA, Tan-16, Fn, Pg, Td as well as parasite associated with periodontitis using18SrRNA and 18S-SSUrDNA. Results: It was noted that Fusobacterium nucleatum reported a high percent of distribution (82.5%), followed by Tannerella forsythia (65%). Treponema denticola was detected in 40% of specimens. The lowest percentage was recorded for Aggregatibacteractino mycetemcomitans which was 20% of the samples. On the other hand, Trichomonas tenax and Entamoeba gingivalis, were detected in only 10% of specimens only. Conclusion: F. nucleatum was considered the main causative agent of periodontitis, where Trichomonas tenax and Entamoeba gingivalis were associated with F. nucleatum infection.