Leys, Eugene

Eugene Leys, Ph.D., Associate Professor

Research:
We use an integrated approach that utilizes molecular biology, microbiology and epidemiology to study the molecular and population genetics of periodontitis-associated and other oral bacteria.  We have developed a system for the detection and identification of bacterial strains (clonal types) of oral bacteria.  By using PCR with species-specific primers, bacteria are detected directly from oral samples without the need for culturing.  PCR products are sequenced to determine the genetic identity for individual clonal types and phylogenetic relationships among strains.

Publications:
Kumar PS, Griffen AL, Moeschberger ML, Leys EJ. Identification of candidate periodontal pathogens and beneficial species by quantitative 16S clonal analysis. J Clin Microbiol. 2005 Aug; 43(8):3944-55.

Kumar PS, Griffen AL, Barton JA, Paster BJ, Moeschberger ML, Leys EJ. New bacterial species associated with chronic periodontitis. J Dent Res. 2003 May; 82(5):338-44.

Becker MR, Paster BJ, Leys EJ, Moeschberger ML, Kenyon SG, Galvin JL, Boches SK, Dewhirst FE, Griffen AL. Molecular analysis of bacterial species associated with childhood caries. J Clin Microbiol. 2002 Mar; 40(3):1001-9.

Leys EJ, Lyons SR, Moeschberger ML, Rumpf RW, Griffen AL. Association of Bacteroides forsythus and a novel Bacteroides phylotype with periodontitis. J Clin Microbiol. 2002 Mar; 40(3):821-5.

Links
Laboratory of Drs. Griffen and Leys