Reconstructing oral microbiota in gingivitis and periodontitis with AFM

| Posted in: Scientific

Journal name: Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology
Original article title: Atomic Force Microscopy: A three-dimensional reconstructive tool of oral microbiota in gingivitis and periodontitis
The Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology (JISP) publishes original scientific articles on periodontology (the study of supporting structures of teeth) and oral implantology. It is a bimonthly open-access journal with special issues for specific occasions.
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Original source:

This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.

Author:

Shyam Sunder Salavadhi, Srikanth Chintalapani, Radhika Ramachandran, Kirankumar Nagubandi, Arpita Ramisetti, Ramanarayana Boyapati


Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology:

(A bimonthly open-access journal)

Full text available for: Atomic Force Microscopy: A three-dimensional reconstructive tool of oral microbiota in gingivitis and periodontitis

Year: 2017 | Doi: 10.4103/jisp.jisp_209

Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

The study explores the advantages of using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) for morphologic analysis of microorganisms and their interactions within subgingival biofilms in patients with gingivitis and periodontitis. Conducted on 20 patients—ten suffering from severe periodontitis and ten with gingivitis—the research aimed to identify bacterial morphological features tied to periodontal diseases. Traditional culturing methods were found inadequate due to the complex and diverse nature of microbial communities, making AFM a promising alternative. This advanced technology allows for three-dimensional imaging of individual cells, revealing details such as cell wall structures and extracellular vesicles associated with bacterial virulence.

Bacterial Morphology and Biofilm Analysis

AFM effectively demonstrates the different morphologies of bacteria in gingivitis and periodontitis patients. The analysis revealed distinct populations: the gingivitis biofilm primarily displayed coccoid and rod-shaped bacteria, while the periodontitis biofilm showed a predominance of spirochetes, flagellated forms, and filamentous organisms. Additionally, AFM images indicated the presence of vesicles that may play a role in bacterial communication and virulence. This morphological assessment allows for a deeper understanding of bacterial interactions and their contributions to disease progression, offering significant insight into the pathophysiology of periodontal conditions.

Conclusion

The findings of the study affirm that AFM is a reliable method for studying bacterial morphology within biofilms, shedding light on the complex interactions at play in periodontal diseases. The ability to create three-dimensional reconstructions enhances our understanding of microbial behavior and its implications for disease management. Future research should focus on further delineating the role of bacterial morphology in periodontal disease severity and exploring AFM's potential in investigating host-microbe interactions critical for developing targeted treatments.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is the aim of this study involving Atomic Force Microscopy?

The study aims to explore the advantages of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) in examining the morphology of microorganisms and their interactions within the subgingival biofilm of patients with gingivitis and periodontitis.

How was the study designed regarding patient selection?

The study included twenty patients, divided into two groups: ten with severe periodontitis and ten with gingivitis. Specific probing pocket depths and clinical attachment loss criteria were used for selecting participants.

What techniques were used to analyze the bacterial biofilms?

Bacterial biofilms were collected and prepared for analysis using AFM, which provided detailed morphological studies. AFM works by detecting interactions between a cantilever-mounted tip and the sample.

What were the main findings regarding bacteria in gingivitis versus periodontitis?

Gingivitis samples predominantly showed coccoids and straight rods, while periodontitis samples exhibited a higher presence of spirochetes and filamentous bacteria, indicating differences in microbial communities associated with these conditions.

What conclusions were drawn about the reliability of AFM?

AFM is concluded to be a reliable method for examining bacterial morphology and studying microbial interactions in biofilms, facilitating better understanding of periodontal disease pathogenesis.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Reconstructing oral microbiota in gingivitis and periodontitis with AFM”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Study (Studying):
Studying involves examination and analysis to gather information or insights about a specific subject. In this research, studying the morphology of bacteria through AFM offers a deeper understanding of microbial interactions in biofilms associated with periodontal diseases, revealing critical details about their structural features and functions.

2) Surface:
Surface denotes the exterior layer or boundary of an object, often being critical in the interaction of microorganisms with their environment. In this study, the surface of bacterial cells is examined using AFM, allowing for a detailed understanding of bacterial morphology and their interactions within biofilms.

3) Table:
Table in this context likely refers to a systematic arrangement of data or findings to present results. Though not explicitly detailed in the text, tabulated data would enhance clarity, fostering better comprehension of the relationships between different variables observed during the study of bacterial morphology using AFM.

4) Relative:
Relative pertains to the comparative measurement or position of one entity in relation to another. This concept is essential in scientific studies to understand how different microbial species interact, their morphologies, and how these factors may influence the severity of periodontal diseases among varying patient populations.

5) Species:
Species indicates a group of organisms that share common characteristics and can reproduce. In microbiology, identifying bacterial species is critical for understanding their roles in health and disease, particularly in the context of periodontal diseases, where specific bacterial species contribute to biofilm formation and pathogenesis.

6) Disease:
Disease signifies an abnormal condition affecting an organism, typically characterized by specific symptoms. In this context, periodontitis and gingivitis are highlighted as diseases influenced by microbial interactions within biofilms, where the morphology and composition of bacteria can affect disease severity and patient outcomes.

7) Wall:
Wall refers to the structural boundary of bacterial cells, contributing significantly to their shape, rigidity, and protection. Understanding the composition and features of bacterial cell walls is vital in microbiology, influencing how bacteria interact with their environment and potential implications in disease mechanisms.

8) Observation:
Observation denotes the act of closely monitoring or examining phenomena to collect data or insights. In this study, the use of AFM allows for precise observation of the morphology of bacteria and their interactions, facilitating a detailed understanding of microbial structures in periodontal health and disease.

9) Fixation:
Fixation is a process in microscopy used to preserve cellular structures and prevent deterioration. The study emphasizes that unlike traditional methods that require fixation, AFM allows researchers to analyze bacterial samples without altering their natural state, providing more accurate measurements of microbial morphology.

10) Life:
Life refers to the condition or state of being alive, characterized by growth, reproduction, and response to stimuli. In a broader biological context, understanding the life cycles and behaviors of microorganisms, their interactions, and adaptations plays a crucial role in determining their pathogenicity in diseases.

11) Human life:
Human life encompasses the biological, psychological, and social aspects of being human. In this study, the relevance lies in exploring how microbial communities, such as those in oral biofilms, influence human health, particularly regarding periodontal diseases, which affect a significant proportion of the population.

12) Human body:
Human body is the physical structure composed of organs, tissues, and cells, providing a habitat for numerous microbial communities. Understanding the interactions between human body systems and specific bacteria in biofilms helps researchers devise strategies for preventing and treating diseases like periodontitis.

13) Accumulation (Accumulating, Accumulate):
Accumulation refers to the gradual increase or gathering of substances over time. In microbiology, the accumulation of microbial species in oral biofilms is foundational to understanding their development and interactions, which can lead to diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis.

14) Inflammation:
Inflammation is the biological response of body tissues to harmful stimuli, often resulting in redness, swelling, and pain. In periodontal diseases, inflammation is a key factor linked to the presence of pathogenic bacteria, emphasizing the role of microbial interactions in altering host responses.

15) Nanoscience:
Nanoscience involves the study and manipulation of matter at the nanoscale, where unique properties emerge. The application of nanoscience in AFM allows for advanced imaging of bacterial structures, unlocking insights into microbial morphology and behavior relevant to dental health and disease processes.

16) Measurement:
Measurement refers to the process of determining the size, amount, or degree of something. In this study, measurement is crucial as AFM provides precise quantifications of bacterial morphology and their interactions, offering insights useful for understanding pathogenicity and microbial ecology in periodontal diseases.

17) Discussion:
Discussion entails the exchange of interpretations and implications of findings derived from research. It plays a fundamental role in this study as it puts forward interpretations of the observed morphological variations in bacterial species and their potential impacts on periodontal disease mechanisms.

18) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibiotic refers to substances used to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria, crucial in treating bacterial infections. Understanding the morphology and interactions of bacteria in biofilms is essential for developing effective antibiotics and strategies to combat periodontal diseases linked to resistant bacterial strains.

19) Knowledge:
Knowledge is the awareness or understanding gained through experience or education. In the context of this research, acquiring knowledge about microbial morphology, interactions, and the implications for periodontal diseases enables health professionals to improve diagnosis, treatment, and preventative care strategies for patients.

20) Evolution:
Evolution refers to the gradual development of organisms over time through changes in genetic traits. Recognizing evolutionary patterns among microbial species informs our understanding of their ecology, interactions in biofilms, and how evolutionary pressures contribute to the pathogenicity observed in periodontitis and gingivitis.

21) Observing:
Observing refers to the act of closely watching or monitoring something. In this study, observing bacterial morphology with AFM reveals detailed insights into the structural features and interactions of microorganisms in biofilms, fostering a more thorough understanding of microbial behavior and disease mechanisms.

22) Family:
Family signifies a group of related organisms, often sharing common characteristics or genetic traits. Understanding the familial relationships among bacteria is essential for classification, which aids in recognizing potential pathogenic species and their roles in the complex microbial communities associated with periodontal diseases.

23) Pilli:
Pilli are hair-like structures on the surface of bacteria that facilitate adhesion and interactions with host tissues. In periodontal diseases, the presence and characteristics of pilli can influence bacterial colonization and biofilm formation, thereby playing a significant role in the pathogenesis of infections.

24) Glass:
Glass in this context is used in the preparation of microscopy slides, providing a surface for observing samples. The choice of glass slides for AFM sample preparation is critical, as it ensures the clarity and integrity of the sample during the imaging process, affecting the analysis.

25) Water:
Water is a critical solvent and medium for biological processes. In this study, distilled water is used to prepare biofilm samples, highlighting its role in maintaining the viability of microorganisms during analysis with AFM, ensuring accurate representations of microbial structures and behaviors.

26) Pose:
Pose signifies a particular position or arrangement. In bacterial studies, the arrangement of cells and their interactions within biofilms can significantly impact their collective behavior and pathogenicity. Understanding how bacteria position themselves can provide insights into the dynamics of biofilm formation and disease development.

27) Post:
Post refers to the subsequent actions or conditions following an event. In research, post-experimental analysis is critical for interpreting results. The study's post-analysis of AFM imagery provides insights into the morphology and behavior of bacteria, leading to deeper understanding relevant to periodontal disease pathology.

28) Drug:
Drug signifies a chemical substance used for treatment, prevention, or diagnosis of diseases. Understanding the morphological and structural characteristics of bacteria can aid in the development of targeted drugs for periodontal diseases, allowing for more effective treatment strategies against specific bacterial infections within biofilms.

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