Identification of Spirochetes Related to<i>Treponema pallidum</i>in Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis and Chronic Periodontitis

Abstract

The spirochetes found in dental plaque from patients with ulcerative gingivitis or chronic periodontitis have antigens that are thought to be unique to pathogenic treponemes. This close antigenic relation suggests that T. pallidum or a closely related organism may be involved in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease.