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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
08:34
Identification of Virulence Markers of Mycobacterium abscessus for Intracellular Replication in Phagocytes
Published on: September 27, 2018
Viral-bacterial associations in acute apical abscesses
Dennis C Ferreira1, Isabela N Rôças, Simone S M Paiva
1Institute of Microbiology Prof Paulo de Góes, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
Summary
Bacterial and viral DNA were found together in two-thirds of acute apical abscess samples. Further research is needed to understand the role of these viral-bacterial interactions in disease pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Oral microbiology
- Virology
- Infectious disease pathology
Background:
- Viral-bacterial synergism is implicated in various human diseases.
- Endodontic infections, such as acute apical abscesses, involve complex microbial communities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate associations between specific endodontic bacterial pathogens and human viruses in acute apical abscess samples.
- To explore potential viral involvement in the pathogenesis of endodontic infections.
Main Methods:
- DNA from 33 acute apical abscess aspirates was analyzed.
- Nested PCR detected 9 bacterial species (16S rRNA gene).
- PCR assays identified human papillomavirus (HPV) and herpesviruses (HHV-1 to HHV-8).
Main Results:
- Bacterial DNA was detected in all samples; prevalent species included Treponema denticola and Tannerella forsythia.
- Two-thirds of samples harbored viral DNA, with HHV-8 being the most frequent (54.5%).
- Weak positive associations were observed between HHV-8, HPV, and certain bacteria; bacterial pairs showed moderate associations.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial and viral DNA co-occur in a majority of endodontic abscess samples.
- The presence of viruses may suggest a role in abscess etiology or be a consequence of the bacterial infection.
- Further investigation is required to elucidate the significance of viral-bacterial interactions in acute apical abscesses.
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