Molecular Diagnostics Tutorial

Question 1

what is the appropriate way to take a sample from a child

Answer 1

swab of saliva or tooth surface

Question 2

what organisms are important to detect in caries

Answer 2

strep mutans
lactobacillus species

Question 3

what methods of isolating bacteria can be used

Answer 3

next generation sequencing
microbiome analysis of 16S rRNA

Question 4

would knowing which bacteria and carriage levels of these bacteria impact overall levels of caries

Answer 4

yes because you can use it to monitor changes over time and can lead to change in public health measures

Question 5

what preventive measures can be used to minimise bacterial carriage for caries

Answer 5

improved diet advice
behaviour advice
public health measures - fluoride

Question 6

what specimens do you investigate for periodontal disease

Answer 6

subgingival plaque biofilm

Question 7

where do you take periodontal disease microorganisms from

Answer 7

paper point from gingival crevice on site of inflammation

Question 8

what organisms are important for periodontitis

Answer 8

p gingivalis
AA

Question 9

what methods can be used to identify the culprit organism in periodontal disease

Answer 9

selective agars
PCR
NGS
grow on plates and undertake sensitivity testing

Question 10

how do you determine cause and effect of periodontitis

Answer 10

removal of culprit organism leads to resolution of disease

Question 11

what treatment options are available for periodontal disease

Answer 11

oral hygiene
antiseptics
antibiotics if unresponsive

Question 12

what is the cause of inflammation associated with a denture

Answer 12

denture associated biofilm

Question 13

what microorganisms are associated with denture stomatitis

Answer 13

candida albicans
candida glabrata

Question 14

what types of specimens can be taken to isolate microorganisms associated with denture stomatitis

Answer 14

oral rinse or swab from localised area

Question 15

why is it important to identify candidal species

Answer 15

c glabrata is insensitive to azoles

Question 16

what are the systemic implications of an indwelling prosthesis for patients

Answer 16

aspiration pneumonia

Question 17

what are the microbiologically concerns for a patient with a facial swelling

Answer 17

are they systemically unwell?

Question 18

what type of clinical specimen should you take for someone with an abscess

Answer 18

take a pus sample so need a needle to aspirate it

Question 19

what type of microorganisms are you looking for in an abscess

Answer 19

oral anaerobes

Question 20

if you have an anaerobic species how would you take the specimen

Answer 20

be weary as they are oxygen sensitive so need anaerobic transport media

Question 21

what techniques are useful to identify microorganisms

Answer 21

standard plate culture and microscopy

Question 22

what are the systemic implications of an abscess if not dealt with

Answer 22

spreading odontogenic infections
possibility of sepsis