Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for direct visualization of bacteria in periapical lesions of asymptomatic root-filled teeth.
Whether micro-organisms can live in periapical endodontic lesions of asymptomatic teeth is under debate. The aim of the present study was to visualize and identify micro-organisms within periapical lesions directly, using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in combination with epifluorescence and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Thirty-nine periapical lesions were surgically removed, fixed, embedded in cold polymerizing resin and sectioned. The probe EUB 338, specific for the domain Bacteria, was used together with a number of species-specific 16S rRNA-directed oligonucleotide probes to identify bacteria. To control non-specific binding of EUB 338, probe NON 338 was used. Alternatively, DAPI (4',6'-diamidino-2-phenylindole) staining was applied to record prokaryotic and eukaryotic DNA in the specimens. Hybridization with NON 338 gave no signals despite background fluorescence of the tissue. The eubacterial probe showed bacteria of different morphotypes in 50 % of the lesions. Rods, spirochaetes and cocci were spread out in areas of the tissue while other parts seemed bacteria-free. Bacteria were also seen to co-aggregate inside the tissue, forming microcolonies. Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Tannerella forsythensis and treponemes of phylogenetic Group I were detected with specific probes. In addition, colonies with Streptococcus spp. were seen in some lesions. A number of morphotypes occurred that could not be identified with the specific probes used, indicating the presence of additional bacterial species. CLSM confirmed that bacteria were located in different layers of the tissue. Accordingly, the FISH technique demonstrated mixed consortia of bacteria consisting of rods, spirochaetes and cocci in asymptomatic periapical lesions of root-filled teeth.
Institute of Oral Biology, Dental Faculty, University of Oslo, PB 1052 Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway.
Pia T
PT
Sunde
Institute of Oral Biology, Dental Faculty, University of Oslo, PB 1052 Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway.
Ingar
I
Olsen
Institut für Mikrobiologie und Hygiene, Universitätsklinikum Charité, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Dorotheenstrasse 96, D-10117 Berlin, Germany.
Ulf B
UB
Göbel
Abteilung für Pathologie, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Universitätsstrasse 150, D-44780 Bochum, Germany.
Dirk
D
Theegarten
Universitätsklinik für Mund-, Kiefer- und Plastische Gesichtschirurgie, Knappschafts-Krankenhaus Bochum-Langendreer, In der Schornau 23-25, D-44892 Bochum, Germany.
Sascha
S
Winter
Institute of Oral Biology, Dental Faculty, University of Oslo, PB 1052 Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway.
Gilberto J
GJ
Debelian
Institute of Oral Biology, Dental Faculty, University of Oslo, PB 1052 Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway.
Leif
L
Tronstad
Institut für Mikrobiologie und Hygiene, Universitätsklinikum Charité, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Dorotheenstrasse 96, D-10117 Berlin, Germany.
Annette
A
Moter
D001419:Bacteria / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000382:microbiology; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000382:microbiology*; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D006801:Humans; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D008875:Middle Aged; D015345:Oligonucleotide Probes; D010485:Periapical Periodontitis / Q000382:microbiology*; D012336:RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / Q000235:genetics; D013045:Species Specificity; D014070:Tooth / Q000382:microbiology*; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000382:microbiology
D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D015345:Oligonucleotide Probes; D012336:RNA, Ribosomal, 16S