METHODS: Grandparents, parents and children were recruited on site as part of a 500 family set focus, followed over 5 years. Samples were collected as part of a dental evaluation and included 1) viable culture techniques on selective/differential media (S. aureus, Group A Beta Strep, C. albicans) from the throat, 2) broth screening method (S. mutans) (Dentocult) from saliva and 3) enzymatic method (BANA) for 3 periopathogens P. gingivalis, B. forsythus and T. denticola from 1 representative tooth from each of the 4 quadrants and the tongue.
RESULTS: From 1995 patients, 384 throat cultures (19.3%) were positives for S. aureus, 185 (9.3%) for C. albicans and 192 (9.6%) for Group A beta Strep. Dentocult results for S. mutans indicated 418 negatives (ranked 0) with total positives (1408) ranked by quantitation: 529 (63.1 %), 1, 393 (46.8%), 2, and 486 (57.9 %), 3. BANA enzymatic assay indicated for the tongue (2434 total), 951 positive (39.1%) and 1483 negative (60.9%). 4 tooth sites, (6918 total) 2838 positive (41.0%) and 4080 negative (58.9%).
CONCLUSIONS: In comparison to the earlier 595 patients, the expanded patient analysis resulted in lower detections of C. albicans, S. aureus and Group A beta Strep. With further characterizing then utilizing the OMS, we hope to assess transmissibility within a closed community/family and correlate/predict clinical outcome. NIH/NIDCR R01-DE014899