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Biomedical subjects

D L Everhart

Publications and source records attributed to D L Everhart.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Dental caries vaccine: some problems solved?

The interest in a dental caries vaccine has been great over the past few years. Studies have shown two possible problems using Streptococcus mutans as an immunogen: (i) the production of heart reactive antibody, and (ii) the need to protect against several serotypes. Possible solutions to these problems are discussed.

Animals↗

A Streptococcus mutans immunogen that reacts equally with S. mutans antibody of all serotypes.

We have studied a possible immunogen from S. mutans that has the capability of producing antibody to S. mutans which reacts equally well with all serotypes. This immunogen, a ribosomal preparation, is immunogenic in mice, is antigenic with rabbit anti-S. mutans, and is antigenic with the human antibody that also reacts with S. mutans. The human antibody is of the IgG class and S-IgA class.

Animals↗

The further localization of antibody on cemental tissue.

In order to increase our understanding of the immunologic aspects of periodontal disease, three groups of extracted human teeth were evaluated for the presence of antibody on the cementum surface. Antibody was demonstrated by direct immunofluorescence using monospecific antibody with human alpha , gamma and upsilon chain activity. The cemental surfaces of teeth with no clinical evidence of periodontal disease or teeth with gingivitis demonstrated no antibody. On the other hand, teeth involved with severe periodontal disease demonstrated positive fluorescence on root surfaces within the pockets, indicating the presence of antibody. No fluorescence was seen below the deepest point of the pocket. Furthermore, we have been studying a component recovered from the surface of teeth exposed to a periodontal pocket. Inhibition studies between serum antibody, extracted antigen and the antigen and antibody on the tooth surface suggest that we are dealing with the same antigen-antibody complex in all cases.

Adolescent↗

A cementum-bound antigen: its reaction with serum antibody and localization, in situ.

The results which have been presented give clear evidence to the presence of an antigen(s) on the cementum of teeth exposed to a periodontal pocket, which is capable of reacting with human serum antibody. It was not possible to demonstrate human antibody reactivity against any components derived from the cementum of completely unexposed bony impacted teeth. Regardless of any speculations dealing with the character or origin of such antigens, their very presence would suggest they may have profound implications in the etiology and progression of the periodontal disease process.

Adsorption↗

The determination of antibody to Streptococcus mutans serotypes in saliva for children ages 3 to 7 years.

The saliva of 29 children ages 3 to 7 years was followed by indirect immunoflourescence to determine the antibody reacting with the 5 different serotypes of S mutans. Fluorescent antisera specific for alpha chain and gamma chain were used. Statistical analysis of the data demonstrated a significant negative correlation between antibody of immunoglobin class (IgA) to S mutans type b and the decayed, extracted and filled surfaces of deciduous teeth.

Antibodies, Bacterial↗

Chronic staphylococcal stomatitis resistant to penicillin and tetracycline, with evidence of local immune response. Report of a case apparently precipitated by toothbrushing trauma.

Described is a case of chronic staphylococcal stomatitis, apparently precipitated by toothbrushing, which persisted for almost 6 months. The implicated organism, Staphylococcus aureus, was resistant to penicillin and tetracycline but sensitive to erythromycin. Recovery finally occurred after antibiotic therapy combined with surgical excision of some small persistent ulcers. Ther sera from a paired set of blood specimens failed to show a significant agglutinating titer, but the samples of saliva collected at the same times gave evidence of specific secretory Iga and showed relatively high agglutinating titer.

Adult↗