Detection of Bacteroides gingivalis Antigenic Proteins by Immunoblotting Analysis

Abstract
Elevated serum IgG antibody levels against B. gingivalis have been found in patients with periodontitis. In this study, we determined the antigenic specificity of the serum antibodies directed towards antigens of B. gingivalis. The serum samples collected from 19 control subjects with clinically healthy gingiva, 26 adult periodontitis (AP), and 21 rapidly progressive periodontitis (RPP) patients were analyzed by using SDS‐PAGE and Western blots. The sonicated cell extract of B. gingivalis 381 was solubilized in sodium dodecyl sulfate solution by heating at 100†C for 5 minutes. After SDS‐PAGE, the proteins were transferred to nitrocellulose membrane, and then were probed with serum samples. The strong reaction observed at the apparent molecular weight of 44 kDa protein suggested that it might be an important component which was specific to the antibody of patients (PB. gingivalis are in sufficient amounts and specificities to be immunogenic to the host, particularly in patients with periodontitis. J Periodontol 1990;61:261‐268.