Aggregatibacter Actinomycetemcomitans in Down´s Syndrome Children

To investigate the presence of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) in Down’s syndrome (DS) children in comparison with age-matched normal children and to determine if Aa was acquired during childhood in DS individuals. Study design: 60 DS children and 60 healthy children participated in this cross-sectional study. Both groups were matched regarding gender and age and were equally selected from public schools/non-fee paying centers and private schools. Subgingival plaque sample were obtained and analyzed for Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa). Traditional cultivation method was used on a selective medium “modified malachite green vancomycin agar.” Results: A significantly higher percentage of DS children had Aa in their subgingival plaque compared to their healthy counterparts (Chi square = 8.78, p=0.003). Although Aa was acquired by children as early as 5 years of age in both groups, no association was found between the occurrence of Aa and age. Conclusions: higher proportion of DS children acquired Aa compared to their healthy controls and Aa is acquired by children as early as 5 years of age.

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Down’s syndrome, children, periodontal disease, prevalence.

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