1993 Volume 56 Issue 3 Pages 227-242
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 ATCC25611 or 33563 groups of Prevotella intermedia. Bacterial strains of the 33563 group predominated in cases of periapical periodontitis, cellulitis and oral microbial flora. Both groups occurred at about the same frequency for bacteria from periodontal pockets. Fifty percent of the patients and volunteers had both of the homology groups. These results indicated that both groups are prevalent in the oral cavity.
Thirty-seven strains of the 25611 group and 113 strains of the 33563 group were examined by electron microscopy and were classified into six types based on morphologically distinct surface appendages, designated as A, AL, E, F, G and H. Type A, AL and H appendages were present on both groups. However, type E, F and G appendages were associated exclusively with the 33563 group, suggesting that the two groups have different adherent characteristics. Both produced β-lactamase, DNase, lipase, lecithinase, hyaluronidase, chondroitin sulfatase, collagenase or a viscous material and both expressed one to six kinds of hydrolytic enzymes and/or viscous material.
Therefore, both groups of the Prevotella intermedia may contribute to exacerbation of oral infections.
