Related Experiment Videos
Experimental root canal infections in conventional and germ-free mice
A P Sobrinho1, M H Barros, J R Nicoli
1Faculdade de Odontologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Abstract:
A small animal model was evaluated to study the interrelationships between microorganisms after their implantation in root canals (inferior central incisors) using germ-free (GF) and conventional (CV) mice. The selected microorganisms were: Porphyromonas endodontalis (ATCC 35406), Eubacterium lentum (ATCC 25559), Peptostreptococcus anaerobius (ATCC 27337), Fusobacterium nucleatum (ATCC 10953), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), and Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 4083). Only P. anaerobius, E. coli, and E. faecalis, respectively, were able to colonize when inoculated alone into the root canal of both CV and GF mice. E. lentum, when inoculated alone colonized only in CV animals. P. endodontalis and F. nucleatum were unable to colonize in CV and GF animals after single inoculation. It is concluded that the experimental animal model presented herein is valuable for ecological studies of root canal infections and that only some strict anaerobic bacteria are able to colonize mice root canals when inoculated by themselves alone in pure culture.
Insights
This study developed an animal model to investigate root canal bacteria. Strict anaerobic bacteria like Peptostreptococcus anaerobius, Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus faecalis could colonize alone.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Endodontics
- Animal Modeling
Background:
- Root canal infections involve complex microbial communities.
- Understanding microbial colonization is crucial for endodontic treatment success.
- Germ-free (GF) and conventional (CV) animal models offer insights into microbial ecology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a small animal model for studying microbial interrelationships in root canals.
- To determine the colonization potential of specific bacteria in root canals of GF and CV mice.
Main Methods:
- Implantation of selected microorganisms into the root canals of germ-free and conventional mice.
- Inoculation of pure cultures of Porphyromonas endodontalis, Eubacterium lentum, Peptostreptococcus anaerobius, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus faecalis.
- Assessment of bacterial colonization in the root canals.
Main Results:
- Peptostreptococcus anaerobius, Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus faecalis colonized root canals in both GF and CV mice.
- Eubacterium lentum colonized only in CV mice.
- Porphyromonas endodontalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum failed to colonize in either model.
Conclusions:
- The developed animal model is effective for ecological studies of root canal infections.
- Only certain strict anaerobic bacteria demonstrate colonization ability when inoculated alone in mouse root canals.