The aim of the present investigation was to assess the applicability of monoclonal antibodies For the quantitative determination of specific bacteria in subgingival plaque. Periodonlal pocket samples from sites with recurrent periodontal breakdown were investigated in parallel by culture analysis, by direct immunofluorescence with species‐specific polyclonal antiscra to Bacteroides gingivalis and Bacteroides intermedius , and by indirect immunofluorescence with one monoclonal antibody specific for Bacteroides forsythus , 3 monoclonal antibodies directed against B. gingivalis and 3 monoclonal antibodies recognizing B. intermedius, B. forsythus was consistently detected in high numbers by immunofluorescence, but never by cultural analysis. For B. gingivalis and B. intermedius culture scores were similar or lower than those obtained with the serological technique. Monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies yielded quantitatively very similar results. Neither evidence for a significant interference of host antibodies with the labelling of target bacteria by single epitope‐specific monoclonal reagents, nor for unspecific staining due to the labelling of crossreactive antigens was observed. The results demonstrate that, following careful selection and characterization, monoclonal antibodies can indeed by successfully applied for a rapid, quantitative and highly sensitive species ‐ or serotype‐specific screening of subgingival plaque.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Rudolf Gmür (1988) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: