fACUlTy Of meDICINe UNIVeRSITy Of NIš, DeNTISTRy ClINIC, DePARTmeNT Of PReVeNTIVe AND PeDIATRIC DeNTISTRy NIš, SeRBIA

The fundamental principle of epidemiology states that a disease is the result of an interaction between the host, microbial agent, and environmental factors. The key to understanding pathogenesis is the identification of the elements of significance in this complex arena and deciphering a sequence of events undoubtedly leading to disease. A huge contribution in the study of parodontal diseases lies in the comprehension and explanation of the synthesis, metabolism, and pathways of the microbial virulence factors. The use of specific DNA and RNA probes enabled not only oral microbial transcription, but also contributed to a rapid analysis of the complex composition of microbial flora of the dental plaque biofilm. The significance is also reflected in the possibility of better understanding of oral ecology of parodontal pathogens and in the monitoring of the populations of selected pathogens. Advanced techniques of molecular biology contributed to a better elucidation of cellular and molecular events involved in the inflammation and decay of parodontal tissue.

Key words: parodontitis, prevalence of parodontal pathogens, microbial virulence