Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

2014

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Esiobu, Nwadiuto

Abstract

This study evaluated the stability of oral bacteria in healthy subjects and documented community shifts in smokers and oral/periodontal disease by employing PCR-RFLP, DGGE and sequence analysis of the 16S rDNA gene from metagenomes and plate-wash (cultured) bacteria of oral wash from 15 participants,. A stable core of bacterial DNA fingerprint was detected within and between subjects and did not change over time when analyzed in smokers and healthy non-smokers. Signature bands in smokers, non-smokers and periodontal disease subjects were evident suggesting the presence of potential indicators of health and poor oral health. Taxon diversity was higher in smokers including members of the genera Rothia, Synechococcus, Neisseria, Thiomargarita and Pyrobaculum but highest in periodontal disease. The two techniques successfully aligned the subjects within appropriate categories (based on their oral microbial genetic patterns)confirming their diagnostic suitability.

Extent

105 p.

Comments

Includes bibliography.|Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2014.|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Includes bibliography.

Identifier

FA00004184

Format

pdf

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