Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 11, 2026
11:15
In Situ Detection of Bacteria within Paraffin-embedded Tissues Using a Digoxin-labeled DNA Probe Targeting 16S rRNA
Published on: May 21, 2015
11.0K
Coronal and Root Canal Microbiota in Apical Periodontitis with Different PAI.
Adelaide Teofani1, Antonio Libonati2, Valeria Unida3
1Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
Microorganisms
|August 29, 2024
Summary
Bacterial communities in apical periodontitis differ from oral mucosa, with higher PAI indices showing reduced diversity and increased anaerobic bacteria. This study reveals key microbial shifts in endodontic infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Endodontics
- Oral Pathology
Background:
- Apical periodontitis is an inflammatory condition originating from oral pathogens in necrotic root canals.
- Understanding the microbial landscape of endodontic infections is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare bacterial community profiles in primary endodontic infections with varying periapical (PAI) indices against oral mucosa controls.
- To identify shifts in microbial composition associated with the severity of apical periodontitis.
Main Methods:
- 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequencing was employed to analyze microbial communities.
- Samples were collected from oral mucosa (controls), and endodontic necrotic tissues from patients with PAI-1 and PAI-3 indices.
- A total of 31 patients were included in the study.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in bacterial phyla distribution were observed: Firmicutes predominated in controls and PAI-1, while Bacteroidetes was dominant in PAI-3.
- The abundance of Synergistetes was higher in PAI groups compared to controls.
- Apical periodontitis samples, particularly those with higher PAI, exhibited diminished microbial diversity and an increased presence of strict anaerobes.
Conclusions:
- The bacterial composition in apical periodontitis differs significantly from the oral mucosa.
- Increased periapical index (PAI) correlates with reduced microbial diversity and a shift towards anaerobic bacteria in endodontic infections.
- These findings highlight distinct microbial profiles associated with apical periodontitis severity.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Tooth Anatomy
3.0K
The human tooth enables us to eat a variety of foods, speak clearly, and even aid in shaping our faces. Teeth are composed of various elements that work together. Here's a detailed look at the anatomy of a human tooth.
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or...
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or...
3.0K
01:27The Skin Microbiota
73
The human skin serves as a complex ecosystem inhabited by a diverse community of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This microbiome plays a critical role in maintaining skin health and defending against pathogenic invaders. The composition of microbial communities varies significantly across different regions of the body, influenced primarily by the local levels of moisture and sebum.Regional Variation in Skin MicrobiotaCutibacterium acnes predominantly colonizes sebaceous...
73
01:22Microbiome of the Eye
58
The human eye has a specialized microbiota that reflects its unique anatomical and immunological environment. This low-biomass microbial community predominantly colonizes the conjunctiva and eyelid margins, playing a vital role in ocular surface homeostasis and defense. Despite its proximity to the richly colonized facial skin, the ocular surface maintains a distinct microbial profile due to continuous mechanical and biochemical defense mechanisms.The conjunctival surface hosts fewer microbial...
58
01:27The Oral Microbiota
52
The oral microbiome includes a complex ecosystem comprising over 700 microbial species, identified through genomic sequencing and culture-based analyses to date. This community includes a core microbiome, found universally among individuals, and a variable component influenced by environmental factors such as diet, lifestyle, and host genetics. Site-specific conditions, including oxygen gradients, pH levels, and nutrient availability, determine the spatial distribution of these microorganisms...
52
01:28Development of the Oral Microbiota
39
The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
39
01:29Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract
40
The human respiratory tract, comprising the upper and lower segments, serves as a critical interface with the external environment. The upper respiratory tract (URT)—including the nostrils, sinuses, pharynx, and oropharynx—is heavily colonized by microbes, while the lower respiratory tract (LRT), composed of the larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs, was long thought to be sterile. However, recent molecular studies have revealed that the lungs are not devoid of microbes but act more...
40