Tuberculosis and Periodontal Disease, with Special Reference to the Collagen Fibers

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Abstract
Clinical examination followed by necropsy and histologic study was performed in 10 rhesus monkeys which suffered from severe tuberculosis of human type. Seven healthy monkeys were used as controls. Microscopic study was done on specimens from jaws, teeth, temporomandibular joints, mesial end of tibia, and from visceral organs. Since degeneration of periodontal fibers has been listed as the initial and most important finding in periodontosis, various special stains for collagen were utilized in this investigation. No periodontal changes were observed that could be attributed to tuberculosis in the 10 rhesus monkeys. No indication of collagen changes was noted in sections from jaws and joints. No observations substantiated the theory of lowered periodontal resistance in tuberculosis. Silver stains were unreliable in decalcified and celloidin-embedded material.