What is a characteristic of localized aggressive periodontitis?

Localized aggressive periodontitis is characterized by a strong familial tendency, which often starts around the ages of 11 to 13. This form of periodontal disease typically manifests during adolescence, and the genetic component strongly influences its onset and progression. The involvement of the immune system and specific pathogenic bacteria, such as Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, also plays a significant role in the disease's aggressive nature, leading to periodontal tissue destruction primarily around permanent teeth.

The familial aspect indicates that there is a hereditary component to the disease, making those with a family history more susceptible. This tendency can lead to early onset and rapid progression, underscoring the significance of genetic factors in localized aggressive periodontitis.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately reflect the characteristics of this condition. While localized aggressive periodontitis does affect adolescents and young adults, it begins later than early childhood and mainly affects permanent teeth rather than primarily non-permanent teeth. Additionally, it is not caused by viral infections but rather by specific bacterial infections in conjunction with host immune responses.