FREQUENCY OF ENTEROCOCCUS FAECALIS IN SALIVA AND ROOT CANALS WITH TREATMENT FAILURE

Enterococcus Faecalis in Saliva and Root Canals

Abstract

Objective: To compare the frequency of E.faecalis in the saliva and root canals of teeth associated with apical periodontitis due to endodontic treatment failure.
Study Design: Cross-sectional comparative.
Place and Duration of Study: Samples were collected from Operative Dentistry department, AFID, while laboratory processing was done at AFIP, Rawalpindi. Duration of this study was one year.
Patients and Method: Fifty patients, both males and females with failed endodontic treatment were selected. Saliva and root canal samples were collected from each patient, inoculated on MacKonkey agar plate and incubated at 35-370C for 48 hours. E.faecalis colonies were identified by colony morphology, Gram stain, catalase, bile asculin test, arabinose fermentation and growth in 6% NaCl nutrient broth.
Results: The frequency of E. faecalis in saliva was 34% and 58% in root canal samples. Frequency of the presence of E.faecalis in root canals and saliva was found to be statistically different (p=0.000).
Conclusion: The presence of E.faecalis in root canal was not associated with their presence in saliva.