Oral distribution and pathogenic characteristics of the ATCC25611 and 33563 homology group in Prevotella intermedia

Abstract

We compared the oral distribution and pathogenic characteristics of two homology groups in Prevotella intermedia. Almost all of the strains presumptively identified by indole production and enzyme patterns belonged to the ATCC 25611 or 33563 groups of Prevotella intermedia. Bacterial strains of the 33563 group predominated in cases of periapical periodontitis and cellulitis, whereas the strains of the 25611 group were present in oral microbial flora. The amounts of both groups were the same for bacteria from periodontal pockets. No differences in pathogenic enzyme production were observed for the two groups. These results indicate that both homology groups in Prevotella intermedia are prevalent in the oral cavity.