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Identification and antimicrobial susceptibility of enterococci isolated from the root canal
G Dahlén1, W Samuelsson, A Molander
1Department of Oral Microbiology, Faculty of Odontology, Göteborg University, Sweden.
Abstract:
Enterococci are occurring in opportunistic infections involving the oral cavity. This study has identified enterococcal species in 29 endodontic infections undergoing treatment with Ca (OH)2 dressings. The in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility of 29 isolated enterococcal strains was determined. Enterococcus faecalis was speciated for 26 isolates and Enterococcus faecium for three isolates. In vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed enterococcal isolates resistant to benzylpenicillin, ampicillin, clindamycin, metronidazole and tetracycline but sensitive to erythromycin and vancomycin. Due to low sensitivity to antimicrobial agents, enterococci may be selected in root canals undergoing standard endodontic treatment and significantly contribute to endodontic treatment failures.
Insights
Enterococci, bacteria often found in oral opportunistic infections, were identified in 29 endodontic infections. Many strains showed resistance to common antibiotics, potentially leading to endodontic treatment failure.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Endodontics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Enterococci are opportunistic pathogens increasingly implicated in oral and endodontic infections.
- Their role in endodontic treatment outcomes requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify enterococcal species in endodontic infections treated with calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2).
- To determine the in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility of these isolates.
Main Methods:
- Samples from 29 endodontic infections treated with Ca(OH)2 dressings were analyzed.
- Enterococcal species were identified, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using standard microbiological methods.
Main Results:
- Enterococcus faecalis (26 isolates) and Enterococcus faecium (3 isolates) were identified.
- Isolates exhibited resistance to benzylpenicillin, ampicillin, clindamycin, metronidazole, and tetracycline.
- Sensitivity was observed for erythromycin and vancomycin.
Conclusions:
- Enterococci are prevalent in endodontic infections, with E. faecalis being the dominant species.
- The observed antimicrobial resistance patterns suggest enterococci may be selected during Ca(OH)2 treatment.
- This resistance can compromise endodontic treatment efficacy and contribute to treatment failures.