Attachment of oral gram-negative anaerobic rods to a smooth titanium surface: an electron microscopy study.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

Attachment of bacteria to titanium may differ not only between bacterial species but also between strains within a species. The aim of the present in vitro study was to examine differences in bacterial attachment using 4 gram-negative anaerobic species of bacteria that are considered potential periodontal pathogens.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The attachment of clinical and laboratory strains (n = 23) representing 2 Fusobacterium nucleatum subspecies, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Prevotella intermedia to smooth, commercially pure titanium was examined using scanning electron microscopy.

RESULTS:

All bacterial strains were attached to the smooth titanium surface by their outer membrane. F nucleatum cells were poorly attached to the titanium, unlike P gingivalis or P intermedia cells, but only slight differences were observed in the quantity of attached cells between the strains within each bacterial group.

DISCUSSION:

In favorable conditions, some anaerobes can attach directly to an inert titanium surface. Microbial adhesion and subsequent colonization on the dental implant surface can lead to infection of the peri-implant tissue.

CONCLUSION:

The results indicated that the avidity of bacterial attachment to a smooth titanium surface varies between species of oral gram-negative anaerobes but not between strains.

• Authors: Heidi Kuula, Eija Könönen, Kari Lounatmaa, Yrjö T Konttinen, Mauno Könönen
• Journal: The International journal of oral & maxillofacial implants (Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants) 2004 Nov-Dec Vol. 19 Issue 6 Pg. 803-9 ISSN: 0882-2786 [Print] United States
• PMID: 15623054 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Titanium

Topics

• Bacterial Adhesion
• Cell Membrane
• Fusobacterium nucleatum (physiology)
• Gram-Negative Anaerobic Straight, Curved, and Helical Rods (physiology)
• Microscopy, Electron
• Porphyromonas gingivalis (physiology)
• Prevotella intermedia (physiology)
• Species Specificity
• Surface Properties
• Titanium