Identification of Fusobacterium nucleatum in primary and secondary endodontic infections Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
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Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Microbes
Microbes
Microbes are microscopic organisms living in and on the human body, shaping health through digestion, vitamin production, and immune protection. When microbial balance is disrupted, disease can occur. This guide explains key microbe types—bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and archaea—plus major pathogenic and beneficial examples.
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
This study aimed to investigate the presence of Fusobacterium nucleatum in primary and secondary endodontic infections and its association with clinical features using both culture and nested PCR methods. The research focused on a Brazilian population, assessing how often F. nucleatum was detected and the link between its presence and clinical symptoms like pain, swelling, and other indicators of infection.
Who was studied?
A total of 100 patients were included, with 50 requiring endodontic treatment for primary infections and 50 for secondary infections. The study specifically focused on individuals with primary and secondary endodontic infections, analyzing microbial samples from their root canals.
What were the most important findings?
The study found that Fusobacterium nucleatum was more prevalent in primary endodontic infections than in secondary infections. Detection methods showed a significantly higher frequency of F. nucleatum using nested PCR (84%) compared to culture methods (20%) in primary infections. In secondary infections, nested PCR still revealed a higher prevalence (80%) than culture (2%). The presence of F. nucleatum was associated with various clinical features, such as spontaneous pain, tenderness to percussion, tooth mobility, swelling, and wet root canals. These findings underline the role of F. nucleatum as an important pathogen in the development and persistence of endodontic infections, particularly in primary cases.
What are the greatest implications of this study?
The study’s results suggest that F. nucleatum plays a significant role in endodontic infections, especially in primary cases. The higher detection rate by PCR methods highlights the importance of advanced molecular techniques for identifying pathogens that are difficult to culture. Clinically, these findings emphasize the need for effective endodontic treatments aimed at eliminating F. nucleatum, as its presence is linked to various adverse clinical outcomes. Furthermore, the study suggests that root canal infections should be carefully managed, especially in cases of inadequate restorations or poor endodontic fillings, as they may facilitate the persistence of this pathogen.
Fusobacterium nucleatum
Fusobacterium nucleatum is a Gram-negative, anaerobic bacterium commonly found in the oral cavity, where it plays a crucial role in the formation of biofilms. Beyond its presence in the mouth, Fn is implicated in a variety of systemic conditions, including periodontal disease, colorectal cancer, and inflammatory bowel disease. Known for its ability to coaggregate with other bacteria, Fn's pathogenic potential is magnified in dysbiotic microbial communities, making it a key player in polymicrobial infections. The bacterium utilizes multiple virulence factors such as FadA and Fap2, which facilitate adhesion to host tissues and immune evasion, ultimately contributing to its role in chronic and inflammatory diseases.