The occurrence of treponemes and their spherical bodies on polytetrafluoroethylene membranes
This pilot study was designed to explore the occurrence of treponemes and any formation of spherical bodies of such cells in guided tissue membranes. The study utilized one tooth in two adult patients who had surgery with GTR e-PTFE membranes by Gore. The sites were to correct osseous defects, and patients were given chlorhexidine and observed once a week for maintenance of adequate plaque removal.
The results show exposure of the membranes by the second week with continued apical migration of the flap, with a pocket formed between the membrane and flap by week four. At week four, when the membranes were removed, a scanning electron microscopy showed diverse bacterial flora on both sides of the membrane. In the apical part of the e-PTFE membrane only the smaller treponemes were colonizing while in other parts a mixed population of different bacterial species, including large treponemes, was seen. [D.H.]
Wecke, J., V. Wolf, S. Fath, and J. Bernimoulin, Oral Microbiol Immunol, 10:278, 1995