Clinical Correlates of a Lateral-Flow Immunoassay Oral Risk Indicator

Background: The aim of the present study is to investigate the clinical correlates of a novel lateral-flow immunoassay with bleeding on probing (BOP), oral hygiene, and periodontal probing depth. This report offers a simple, rapid, and highly sensitive tool that addresses two issues important to periodontists: 1) detecting active periodontitis, and 2) predicting chronic periodontitis. Methods: Seventy-six of 86 males requiring seminal fluid analysis as part of a separate study were serially recruited into the study. After basic dental and periodontal examination under natural light and with the use of the community periodontal index of treatment needs (CPITN) probe, debris and calculus indices were recorded per participant. Participants were subsequently grouped into "good,'' "fair,'' and "poor'' oral hygiene categories based on a simplified oral hygiene index. BOP was assessed with the ball-ended tip of the probe, and periodontitis was assessed with pocket probing as well as a lateral flow of neutrophil collagenase-2 immunoassay, which measures levels of matrix metalloproteinase-8. Results: Neutrophil collagenase-2 immunoassay was 96% sensitive for poor oral hygiene, 95% sensitive for chronic periodontitis (defined as at least two sites with periodontal pockets), and 82.6% sensitive for at least two sites with BOP. Conclusion: Neutrophil collagenase-2 immunoassay had a high sensitivity for at least two sites with BOP and two sites with periodontal pockets but a lower relationship for single-site pockets and BOP.