Anaerobic Gliding Bacteria Isolated from the Oral Cavity

During a 22 day period without oral hygiene 11 dental students rinsed their mouths, twice a day, with a 0.2 per cent aqueous solution of chlorhexidine gluconate. The anaerobic bacterial flora of the gingiva was studied and between days 5 and 10 the proportion of gram negative rods increased temporarily and many exhibited a gliding movement of translation. Nineteen strains of gliding bacteria were isolated and compared with regard to their colonial and cellular morphology and biochemical characteristics. On the basis of these criteria the strains of gliding bacteria are provisionally classified as Fusobacterium girans. Throughout the experimental period none of the subjects accumulated plaque or developed gingivitis.