Aggregatibacter actinomyctemcomitans in periodontal disease

Abstract

It is well realized that periodontal diseases are primarily bacterial infections. The most common bacteria involved in periodontal pathologies of young individuals and in cases of refractory adult periodontitis is Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. This bacteria, was earlier names as Actinobacillus actinomyctemcomitans. A gram negative coccobacillus, these bacteria expresses numerous virulence factors that mediate tissue destruction. This review discusses the microbiology and pathogenesis of A.actinomycetemcomitans mediated periodontal diseases. The clinical relevance with regards to diagnosis and therapy have also been discussed.