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Published on: March 9, 2016
Isolation and identification of Enterococcus faecalis from necrotic root canals using multiplex PCR
Ali Mahmoudpour1, Saeed Rahimi, Mahmood Sina
1Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz Iran. ali5491338@yahoo.com
Journal of Oral Science
|October 12, 2007
Summary
Enterococcus faecalis was detected in 10% of necrotic teeth, with no significant difference between symptomatic and asymptomatic cases. This study surveyed its incidence in root canals using PCR.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Endodontics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Enterococcus faecalis is a common bacterium found in root canal infections.
- Its prevalence in both symptomatic and asymptomatic necrotic teeth requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of Enterococcus faecalis in symptomatic and asymptomatic necrotic root canals.
- To isolate E. faecalis for further characterization.
Main Methods:
- Sixty patients with necrotic teeth were sampled using paper points.
- Bacterial DNA was analyzed using multiplex PCR and cultivation techniques.
- Samples were incubated in 2xYT broth and selective media.
Main Results:
- Enterococcus faecalis was identified in 6 out of 60 cases (10%).
- Four isolates were from asymptomatic chronic apical periodontitis, two from abscess cases.
- No E. faecalis was found in acute apical periodontitis or chronic suppurative periodontitis cases.
Conclusions:
- The incidence of Enterococcus faecalis in necrotic dental root canals does not significantly differ between symptomatic and asymptomatic cases.
- PCR and cultivation methods are effective for detecting E. faecalis in endodontic infections.
