Detection of Red complex bacteria, <i>P. gingivalis</i>, <i>T. denticola</i> and <i>T. forsythia</i> in infected root canals and their association with clinical signs and symptoms.

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the association between endodontic clinical signs and symptoms and the presence of <i>Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola</i>, and <i>Tannerella forsythia</i> employing polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Microbial samples were obtained from 60 cases with necrotic pulp with primary teeth infections. DNA extracted from samples were analyzed for endodontic pathogens by using species-specific primers. <i>P. gingivalis/T. denticola</i> were detected in 15 symptomatic teeth associated with periapical lesions. <i>T. forsythia/T. denticola</i> were found in 16 symptomatic teeth associated with pain and swelling. <i>P. gingivalis</i> was detected in 9 teeth which were associated with pain, 2 with tenderness on percussion, and 15 with periapical lesions. Statistically significant associations were found between <i>T. forsythia</i> as well as <i>T. denticola</i> in relation to clinical findings of pain and swelling. (<i>P</i> < 0.05). Red complex bacteria showed no statistical significant association with the presence of signs and symptoms. Prevalence of <i>P. gingivalis</i>, <i>T. denticola</i>, and <i>T. forsythia</i> suggested association of these bacteria with symptomatic infected pulp and periradicular diseases.