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Dialister pneumosintes can be a suspected endodontic pathogen
José F Siqueira1, Isabela N Rôças
1Department of Endodontics, Estácio de Sá University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. siqueira@estacio.br
Summary
Dialister pneumosintes, an anaerobic bacterium, was frequently found in human root canal infections. This suggests its potential role as an endodontic pathogen, warranting further investigation in dental research.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Endodontics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Dialister pneumosintes is an anaerobic, Gram-negative bacillus linked to human infections.
- Its role in endodontic infections remains largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of Dialister pneumosintes in human root canal infections.
- To assess the potential of D. pneumosintes as an endodontic pathogen.
Main Methods:
- A species-specific nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was employed.
- Samples were obtained from 32 human teeth with root canal infections, including asymptomatic and symptomatic cases.
- DNA was amplified using universal 16S ribosomal DNA primers, followed by specific D. pneumosintes detection.
Main Results:
- Dialister pneumosintes was detected in 65.6% of all root canal samples.
- Prevalence was high in asymptomatic cases (77.3%) and lower in acute apical periodontitis (40%).
- No correlation was found between D. pneumosintes presence and clinical symptoms.
Conclusions:
- This study reports a high prevalence of D. pneumosintes in human root canal infections.
- Given its prevalence and potential pathogenicity, D. pneumosintes should be considered a putative endodontic pathogen.