PCR detection of Capnocytophaga species in dental plaque samples from children aged 2 to 12 years

The purpose of this study was to detect the presence of Capnocytophaga sputigena, C. ochracea, and C. gingivalis in plaque samples from the toothbrushes of 122 children, using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. The subjects were 25, 85, and 12 children with healthy gingiva, gingivitis, and periodontitis, respectively, ranging in age from 2-12 years old. Plaque samples were collected from all erupted tooth sites using a sterile toothbrush. The mean amount of DNA recovered from the samples was approximately 19.3 microg, which was deemed sufficient for performing a PCR-based survey. C. sputigena prevalence in healthy, gingivitis, and periodontitis subjects was 48.0%, 36.5% and 25.0%, respectively, that for C. ochracea was 100%, 89.4%, and 50.0%, respectively, and that for C. gingivalis was 96.0%, 84.7%, and 75.0%, respectively. The lowest age of positive subjects was approximately 2 years. Our results showed that C. sputigena was moderately prevalent, whereas C. ochracea and C. gingivalis were commonly detected in the oral cavities of the tested children, suggesting that all of these species become established in the early years.