Endodontic Infection

Question 1

How does an endodontic infection occur? What is typically produced?

Answer 1

Biofilm on the inside of the root surface that leads to an inflammatory response

Release of cytokines, LPS from gram negative bacteria, TLRs and PAMPS - pattern recognition molecules

LPS and cytokines attract macrophages, T cells and B cells

Question 2

What is an important endopathogen?

Answer 2

Enterococcus faecalis

• polymicrobial
• found in 4-40% of primary endodontic infections

Secondary endodontic infections more likely to contain enterococcus faecalis

Question 3

What are some virulence factors for enterococcus faecalis?

Answer 3

Produces endotoxins
Adhesions
Collagenases
Good immune evasion

General things pathology is good at