Endodontic Infection

Question 1

What is endodontic infection?

Answer 1

Infection to the pulp generally secondary to caries and trauma

Question 2

What bacteria commonly cause endodontic infection?

Answer 2

Bacteroids
Prevotella
Lactobacillus
Streptococcus

Question 3

Describe primary endodontic infections

Answer 3

Polymicrobial
Dominated by gram-negative anaerobic rods
E. faecalis is found in 4-40%

Question 4

Describe secondary endodontic infections

Answer 4

Composed of one or a few bacterial species
Predominantly gram-positive microorganisms
Very likely to find E. faecalis

Question 5

What virulence factors are shown by E. faecalis?

Answer 5

Endotoxins
Adhesions
Collagenases
Hyaluronidase
Immune evasion

Question 6

Describe E. faecalis

Answer 6

Gram positive coccus
Facultative anaerobe - with or without oxygen
Forms biofilms
Produces superoxides which protect it

Question 7

Why is it difficult to ensure a particular organism is causing an infection?

Answer 7

Integrity of sampling - need to ensure no contamination
Hard to know which sample to take
Need to ensure the correct site of sampling
Need the correct media to transport samples