Anaerobic microorganisms in root canals of human teeth with chronic apical periodontitis detected by indirect immunofluorescence

Abstract

– Aiming to assess the presence of selected anaerobic microorganisms in root canals of human teeth with chronic apical periodontitis, 25 central and lateral upper incisors presenting with radiographic evidence of chronic apical periodontitis were studied. I he pulp chamber was opened under aseptic conditions and samples of die root canal content were collected with sterile absorbent paper points, which were placed and dispersed in lest lubes containing reduced transport medium (RTF)Aliquots were dried on glass slides and stained by indirect immunofluorescence for detection of. Actinomyces viscosus, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia. The results showed a positive indirect immunofluorescence reaction in 24 of the 25 samples. Fourteen were positive for die specie Actinomyces viscous , 12 for Prevotella intermedia , 10 for Fusobacterium nucleatum and 4 for Porphyromonas gingivalis. A semiquantitative assay was easily implemented for assessment of degree of infection by the organisms in individual cases