Bacteriological study of root canals associated with periapical abscesses.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to identify microorganisms from root canals with periapical abscesses and to ascertain the susceptibility of Peptostreptococcus prevotii and Fusobacterium necrophorum to antimicrobials. Study design Thirty root canals were microbiologically sampled by using sterile paper points. The concomitant microorganisms were identified through the use of established methods. The susceptibility of P prevotii and F necrophorum to antimicrobials was evaluated by using the E test method.


RESULTS
A total of 117 different bacterial strains were recovered, including 75 strict anaerobes or microphilic species. The most frequently isolated strict anaerobes were P prevotii, Peptostreptococcus micros, and F necrophorum. Facultative bacteria such as Gemella morbillorum and Streptococcus mitis were also found, albeit less frequently. The data revealed that P prevotii and F necrophorum were susceptible to the tested antibiotics.


CONCLUSIONS
Gram-positive anaerobic bacteria predominate in the mixed microbiota of root canals with periapical abscesses. Moreover, P prevotii and F necrophorum are susceptible to the tested antibiotics.
de Sousa
Ezilmara Leonor Rolim
EL
University of Campinas, Brazil. cferraz@fop.unicamp.br
Ferraz
Caio Cezar Randi
CC
Gomes
Brenda Paula Figueiredo de Almeida
BP
Pinheiro
Ericka Tavares
ET
Teixeira
Fabrício Batista
FB
de Souza-Filho
Francisco José
FJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D002648:Child; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000382:microbiology*; D024881:Drug Resistance, Bacterial; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D005674:Fusobacterium Infections / Q000382:microbiology; D005675:Fusobacterium necrophorum / Q000187:drug effects / Q000302:isolation & purification; D016908:Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010406:Penicillins / Q000494:pharmacology; D010462:Peptostreptococcus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000302:isolation & purification; D010482:Periapical Abscess / Q000382:microbiology*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D010406:Penicillins