Identification of Specific Anaerobic Bacteria in Endodontic Infections of Primary Teeth-A PCR Study

Invasion of microorganisms and their multiplication in root canals (RCs) results in endodontic infections of primary teeth. Acute and chronic inflammation may be present in the periapical area and are based on the amount and virulence of microorganisms, especially anaerobic bacteria present in the RC. To identify microorganisms very precisely in endodontic infections, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is used.

The aim of the present study is to identify the specific anaerobic bacteria like Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, and Actinomyces naeslundii in the RCs of primary teeth using real-time PCR.

Fifteen subjects aged 3-8 years who had endodontic infections in primary molars were selected. The cases who had been selected did not receive any endodontic treatment and antibiotics within 3 months, and children with systemic diseases were not included.

Samples were taken by placing absorbent paper points into the largest canals of maxillary and mandibular molars for 60 seconds and are then transferred to a sterile Eppendorf tube with tris-hydochloride EDTA (TE) buffer. The samples were stored at -80°C. All samples were subjected to PCR analysis.

The specific anaerobes detected in the samples were A. naeslundii (93.3%), Prevotella intermedia (53.3%), and Porphyromonas gingivalis (13.3%).

The results suggested a high bacterial diversity in the RCs of infected primary teeth.

Thimmegowda U, Thomas J, et al. Identification of Specific Anaerobic Bacteria in Endodontic Infections of Primary Teeth-A PCR Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2019;12(1):1-4.