Coaggregation between Prevotella oris and Porphyromonas gingivalis

Background/Purpose: The coaggregation of bacteria has been defined as one of the most important processes in the oral infection such as periodontitis. Prevotella oris and Porphyromonas gingivalis, which are two of the periodontopathogens, are frequently detected in severe forms of periodontal diseases. However, the interaction between P. oris and P. gingivalis is still unknown. In this study, the coaggregation of P. oris with nine oral bacterial species including P. gingivalis was examined. Methods: All bacteria used in this study were cultured anaerobically and suspended in coaggregation buffer. Each cell suspension was mixed in a test tube and subjected to shaking at room temperature for 1 hour. Subsequently, the coaggregation values were scored. Furthermore, the effects of various chemical reagents, and heat, proteinase K, and serum treatment were examined.