Microbial Analysis and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Microorganisms Associated with Teeth Indicated for Non-Surgical Endodontic Treatment in a Nigerian Population-A Cross-Sectional Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61172/f6h0ee97Keywords:
endondontics, microbiology, antibiotics, root canal treatmentAbstract
Background
The success of endodontic therapy hinges on the eradication of microbial infection within the root canal system. Regional variations in microbial ecology and antibiotic resistance underscore the need for population-specific data to guide clinical protocols.
Objective
To characterize the microbial composition and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of microorganisms isolated from root canals of teeth indicated for non-surgical endodontic treatment in a Nigerian cohort.
Methods
In this cross-sectional study, root canal samples were aseptically collected from 40 patients using sterile paper points after irrigation with saline. Specimens were cultured on Sabouraud dextrose, MacConkey, Nutrient, and Blood agar under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Microbial identification was performed via biochemical assays, and antibiotic susceptibility testing was conducted using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method.
Results
Among 97 isolates, facultative anaerobes predominated (43.2%, n = 42), followed by fungi (38.2%, n = 37) and obligate aerobes (18.6%, n = 18). Staphylococcus spp. (44.4%) was the most prevalent aerobic bacteria, while Streptococcus spp. dominated both facultative (61.9%) and obligate anaerobic isolates. Yeasts constituted 64.9% of fungal isolates. All bacterial isolates exhibited resistance to co-trimoxazole. Resistance to ampicillin was universal among aerobes and anaerobes except Bacteroides spp. Aerobes demonstrated high sensitivity to gentamicin (100%), nalidixic acid (88.9%), and nitrofurantoin (94.4%), with exceptions observed in Klebsiella and Streptococcus spp. Anaerobes showed susceptibility to nitrofurantoin (95.2%) and gentamicin (90.5%), excluding Bacillus spp. Streptomycin resistance was widespread (95.2%) except in Pseudomonas spp.
Conclusion
Root canal infections in this population exhibit polymicrobial diversity with significant resistance to ampicillin and co-trimoxazole, rendering these agents ineffective. Gentamicin, nitrofurantoin, and nalidixic acid demonstrated superior efficacy, highlighting their potential utility in managing refractory infections. These findings advocate for antimicrobial stewardship and susceptibility-guided therapy in Nigerian endodontic practice.
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