Red complex explained

The red complex is a group of bacteria that are categorized together based on their association with severe forms of periodontal disease.^[1] The red complex—among a number of other complexes—were classified by Sigmund Socransky in 1998.^[2]

The three members of the red complex are:

1. Porphyromonas gingivalis
2. Tannerella forsythia
3. Treponema denticola

Notes and References

1. Rôças IN, Siqueira JF, Santos KR, Coelho AM . "Red complex" (Bacteroides forsythus, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Treponema denticola) in endodontic infections: a molecular approach . Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontics . 91 . 4 . 468–71 . April 2001 . 11312465 . 10.1067/moe.2001.114379 .
2. Book: Wolf HF, Rateitschak K . Color Atlas of Dental Medicine: Periodontology . 3rd . Thieme . 2005 . 0-86577-902-3 . 37 .