The problem of the taxonomy of the fusiform bacillus of acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (Vincent's gingivitis)

  • Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek. 1990 Jan;57(1):55-8. doi: 10.1007/BF00400337.
W P Holbrook  1 ,  R A Cawson
Affiliations
  • 1. Faculty of Odontology, University of Iceland, Reykjavík.
PMID: 2196849 DOI: 10.1007/BF00400337
Abstract

The characteristic microscopic appearance of the fusospirochaetal complex in smears from patients with acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis has long been regarded as virtually pathognomonic of the disease. Unfortunately there is considerable confusion surrounding the taxonomy of the fusiform organism in the fusospirochaetal complex. The conflicting views appear to be irreconcilable and a re-evaluation of the taxonomy of oral fusiforms is urgently required.