Microbes that coexist and interact in the oral cavity feature a large number of different types of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa), therefore establishing a complex habitat of the organism. More than 700 types of microorganisms are found in the oral cavity, primarily Streptococci, Lactobacilli, Staphylococci and Corynebacteriae. A large number of strictly anaerobic microorganisms, mainly bacteria, are a part of the microbial population of the oral cavity.

Disturbance of the balance of the microbial flora of the mouth by pathogenic microorganisms, both quantitatively and qualitatively, determines the status of the non-harmonious symbiosis of the microorganisms when, for example there is a rise in the number of potential pathogenic microorganisms and/or there is a gain of pathogenic capacity of certain microbes of normal flora. Porphyromonas gingivalis, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and Bacteroides forsythus are the main bacteria that cause periodontitis. The primary cause for the onset of periodontal inflammatory diseases is considered the germs of the dental plaque.

Periodontitis is an advanced gum infection that results in the separation of the gums from the teeth by wearing out the gums but also the bones that hold the teeth in position. This condition causes tooth loss, alongside more serious health problems, if not treated early. The use of conventional clinical and diagnostic methods is currently a standard diagnosing practice for periodontal disease. However, cultivating etiologically important pathogens, which are primarily anaerobes, is difficult under routine laboratory conditions.

The sample is collected from dental plaque residues and from the gums. This tests employs the multiplex Real-Time PCR methodology that detects and identifies multiple segments of the DNA of each pathogen’s genotype, in a single reaction using multiple primers. Internal Process Control (IPC) which is added during DNA extraction, is detected in the same reaction as the marked detector, permitting in this way the detection of inhibition of RT-PCR by several factors. It also ensures that a sufficient amount of microbial DNA has been isolated from the biological sample, thus increasing the reliability of the result given to the individual examined.

Below you can see all the microorganisms that the specific test controls at the same time from a biological sample:

• Total Bacterial Genome Count (TBGC)
• Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans
• Porphyromonas gingivalis
• Prevotella intermedia
• Tannerella forsythensis (Bacteroides forsythus)
• Treponema denticola
• Candida albicans

The technology of Parodontoscreen, manufactured by the company DNA TECHNOLOGY, is performed exclusively at A. EVANGELOU LABORATORIES to provide prompt and reliable results, with high sensitivity and specificity. The method improves the disease prognosis, contributes to immediate diagnosis, and monitors disease development. Information provided by the test guides in choosing the most effective treatment to control the progression and spread of infection.