Molecular detection of Treponema denticola and Porphyromonas gingivalis in carotid and aortic atheromatous plaques by FISH: report of two cases

Treponema denticola and Porphyromonas gingivalis have been identified in atheromatous plaques of two patients suffering from atherosclerosis by PCR and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The use of the FISH technique suggested that these periodontopathic micro-organisms might be metabolically active within the wall of arteries, under the atherosclerotic lesion.