Nested PCR detection of Centipeda periodontii in primary endodontic infections

In recent years, molecular genetic methodologies have provided significant additional knowledge about components of the microbiota associated with infections of endodontic origin. Following this research line, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of Centipeda periodontii in primary endodontic infections using a species-specific nested PCR assay. Samples were collected from fifty teeth having carious lesions, necrotic pulps, and different forms of periradicular diseases. DNA extracted from the samples was initially amplified using universal 16S rDNA primers, and a second round of amplification used the first PCR products to detect a specific fragment of C. periodontii 16S rDNA. This species was detected in 3 (13%) of 23 asymptomatic cases, in 1 (14%) of 7 cases diagnosed as acute apical periodontitis, and in 3 (15%) of 20 pus samples aspirated from acute periradicular abscesses. There was no significant association between C. periodontii and the presence of clinical symptoms. Overall, C. periodontii was detected in 14% of the cases of endodontic infections. This is probably the hitherto first study to detect C. periodontii in primary endodontic infections. The specific role played by this bacterial species in infections of endodontic origin awaits further clarification.