Identification of Fusobacterium nucleatum in primary and secondary endodontic infections and its association with clinical features by using two different methods 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 investigated the prevalence of Fusobacterium nucleatum in primary and secondary endodontic infections and its association with clinical features in a Brazilian population. It used both culture and nested PCR techniques to detect the bacterium in infected root canals and examined its correlation with various clinical signs such as pain, swelling, and mobility.
Who was studied?
The study involved 100 patients, divided into two groups: 50 with primary endodontic infections and 50 with secondary or persistent endodontic infections. The patients’ clinical features, including pain, tenderness, and the presence of exudates, were recorded, and microbial samples were collected for analysis.
What were the most important findings?
The study found that Fusobacterium nucleatum was present in 82% of the root canals with primary infections as detected by nested PCR, compared to only 2% in secondary infections. Culture methods detected F. nucleatum in 20% of primary infection samples, with a much lower detection rate in secondary infections (2%). The bacterium was strongly associated with several clinical features, including spontaneous pain, tenderness to percussion, swelling, and tooth mobility in primary infections. Nested PCR also revealed a strong association between F. nucleatum and wet root canals, as well as hemorrhagic exudate, which are indicative of inflammation and infection severity. The study highlighted the higher prevalence of F. nucleatum in primary infections compared to secondary infections, suggesting that the bacterium plays a more significant role in the early stages of endodontic infection.
What are the greatest implications of this study?
The study emphasizes the importance of Fusobacterium nucleatum in primary endodontic infections and its potential role in driving inflammation and infection severity. The higher detection rate of F. nucleatum using molecular techniques like nested PCR compared to culture methods suggests that PCR should be preferred for diagnosing root canal infections caused by this bacterium. The findings also underscore the need for effective endodontic treatments targeting bacterial elimination, especially in primary infections, to prevent further complications such as tooth mobility and abscess formation. Furthermore, the study’s results suggest that F. nucleatum could be a key target for improving clinical outcomes in endodontic therapies.
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.