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Published on: May 21, 2015
Enterococci in human periodontitis
Oral Microbiology and Immunology
|August 1, 1992
Summary
Enterococci, primarily Enterococcus faecalis, were found in subgingival plaque of periodontitis patients. These bacteria showed resistance to common antibiotics but sensitivity to ciprofloxacin and Augmentin.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Periodontology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Enterococci are recognized pathogens in various human body sites.
- Periodontitis is a complex oral infection impacting periodontal tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of subgingival enterococci in patients with early-onset and advanced adult periodontitis.
- To assess the in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility of these subgingival enterococci.
Main Methods:
- Subgingival microbial samples were collected from 100 early-onset and 545 advanced adult periodontitis patients.
- Enterococci were identified using selective agar and commercial kits, with speciation and biotyping performed.
- In vitro antimicrobial susceptibility was tested against various antibiotics using commercial kits and agar dilution assays.
Main Results:
- Subgingival enterococci were present in 1% of early-onset and 5% of advanced adult periodontitis cases.
- Enterococcus faecalis was the sole species identified, with most isolates belonging to a single biotype.
- Isolates exhibited resistance to penicillin G, tetracycline, clindamycin, and metronidazole, but were sensitive to ciprofloxacin and amoxicillin/potassium clavulanate.
Conclusions:
- Enterococci can colonize periodontal pockets, potentially acting as superinfecting organisms.
- The observed antimicrobial resistance patterns suggest limitations for certain standard therapies in treating enterococcal periodontitis.
- Enterococci may contribute to periodontal tissue destruction in heavily infected patients.
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