Polymerase chain reaction detection of Treponema denticola in endodontic infections within root canals.
OBJECTIVE
A 16S rDNA-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was used to detect the occurrence of Treponema denticola in root canals.


METHODS
Samples were collected from 54 single-rooted teeth having carious lesions and necrotic pulps. DNA extracted from the samples was amplified using the PCR assay, which yielded a specific fragment of T. denticola 16S rDNA.


RESULTS
T. denticola was detected in 10 of 29 asymptomatic cases (34.5%), eight of 15 root canals that were tender to percussion (53.3%), and five of 10 teeth with acute periradicular abscess (50%). In general, T. denticola was found in 23 of 54 cases (42.6%).


CONCLUSIONS
Findings suggest that T. denticola can be involved in the pathogenesis of periradicular lesions of endodontic origin.
Siqueira
J F
JF
Department of Endodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Estácio de Sá University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. siqueira@estacio.br
Rôças
I N
IN
Favieri
A
A
Oliveira
J C
JC
Santos
K R
KR
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016301:Alveolar Bone Loss / Q000382:microbiology; D017931:DNA Primers; D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000382:microbiology; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000382:microbiology*; D003790:Dental Pulp Necrosis / Q000382:microbiology*; D004587:Electrophoresis, Agar Gel; D005784:Gene Amplification; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010482:Periapical Abscess / Q000382:microbiology; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012336:RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; D014208:Treponema / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics; D014211:Treponemal Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*
D017931:DNA Primers; D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D012336:RNA, Ribosomal, 16S