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Dentinal tubule invasion and adherence by Enterococcus faecalis.
P Chivatxaranukul1, S G Dashper, H H Messer
1School of Dental Science, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
International Endodontic Journal
|September 30, 2008
Summary
Enterococcus faecalis readily invades dentinal tubules in teeth. However, this oral bacterium does not preferentially adhere to tubule walls, suggesting other factors influence initial colonization.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Endodontics
- Dental Research
Background:
- Enterococcus faecalis is a significant pathogen in persistent endodontic infections.
- Understanding bacterial behavior within dentinal tubules is crucial for effective treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the invasion capabilities of Enterococcus faecalis within dentinal tubules.
- To determine the adherence predilection of Enterococcus faecalis for dentinal tubule walls versus other root canal surfaces.
Main Methods:
- Ex vivo analysis of human teeth incubated with Enterococcus faecalis for 8 weeks.
- Histological assessment of dentinal tubule invasion extent and depth.
- Scanning electron microscopy to quantify bacterial adherence to tubule walls and fractured orthodentine.
Main Results:
- Enterococcus faecalis demonstrated moderate to heavy invasion of dentinal tubules after 8 weeks.
- Significantly higher bacterial adherence was observed on fractured orthodentine compared to dentinal tubule walls.
- Bacterial adherence to tubule walls was greater in inner dentine and in a chemically defined medium.
Conclusions:
- Enterococcus faecalis effectively invades dentinal tubules.
- Adherence to dentinal tubule walls is not the primary factor for Enterococcus faecalis colonization.
- Initial colonization likely depends on factors beyond direct adherence to tubule walls.
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