Polymerase chain reaction-based simultaneous detection of selected bacterial species associated with closed periapical lesions.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to identify microorganisms which might be present in closed periapical lesions and to determine their relationship to conventional clinical parameters. -


METHODS
In 11 patients, samples were taken with paper points from 14 teeth with periapical radiolucency, in seven cases two samples were taken from two different sites of the same tooth (n=21). Clinical parameters were determined. The 16S rDNA of eleven bacterial species could be simultaneously detected via a modified polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based technique. -


RESULTS
All samples contained more than one bacterial species. Most frequently, M. micros was detected alone or in combination with E. faecalis, P. aeruginosa, E. coli, F. nucleatum or S. sanguinis. When apical palpation was positive, often M. micros and F. nucleatum were both present. Other clinical symptoms like tenderness to percussion were not associated with a particular microflora. -


CONCLUSIONS
In closed periapical lesions detected by radiography, specific bacteria were identified by means of a modified PCR technique. No clear associations between clinical symptoms and these bacteria were found. Surgical intervention might be indicated for some of the persistent lesions.
Geibel
Margrit-Ann
MA
Department of Oral Surgery, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany. margrit-ann.geibel@medizin.uni-ulm.de
Schu
B
B
Callaway
A S
AS
Gleissner
C
C
Willershausen
B
B
D001421:Bacteria, Anaerobic / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D017931:DNA Primers / Q000737:chemistry; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis; D004275:DNA, Ribosomal / Q000032:analysis; D006094:Gram-Positive Bacteria / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D010485:Periapical Periodontitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000382:microbiology*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011859:Radiography; D012390:Root Canal Therapy
D017931:DNA Primers; D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D004275:DNA, Ribosomal