Rapid identification of important periodontal microorganisms by cultivation

Two recent developments have made possible rapid isolation and identification of important periodontal species. Selective media have been designed which demonstrate high recovery efficacy of black‐pigmented Bacteroides spp., Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Eikenella corrodens, Fusobacterium spp., Capnocytophaga spp. and other periodontal bacteria. Presumptive tests for identification of periodontal isolates that are rapid and easy have also been described. Available microbiological methods permit even small microbiology laboratories to screen periodontal samples for suspected pathogens.