Development of a Rapid Qualitative Assay for Determining Elevated Antibody Levels to Periodontopathic Organisms.

摘要

Analysis of serum antibodies to periodontopathic microorganisms has become an integral part of periodontal research. Currently available technology for such analysis is both time consuming and costly. To allow more widespread use in clinical practice, a rapid, qualitative test for determining elevated antibody to periodontitis-associated bacteria was developed. The technique utilizes dot-immunoblotting (DIB) on nitrocellulose with whole formalinized Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Bacteroides gingivalis, and Bacteroides intermedius. To enhance its use in a clinical environment, systemic antibody status was determined from whole finger-stick capillary blood. An ELISA was used to compare IgG antibody levels to these microorganisms in peripheral capillary blood and venous serum from 44 subjects. The ELISA and DIB were equal in their ability to delineate periodontal status. A rapid screening assay was developed to determine elevated systemic antibody levels to periodontopathic organisms. The DIB test uses finger-stick capillary blood with results available in less than 2 hours. Using this DIB assay, subjects can be monitored for a change from normal to elevated antibody prior to the clinical detection of disease. Additionally, periodontitis patients can be positively identified by the presence of elevated antibody which is indicative of a specific infection and should lead to more directed treatment regimens. Theses. (kt)