Frecuencia de aislamiento y susceptibilidad Enterococcus faecalis en pacientes endodónticos

Abstract

This is a microbiological study of the bacteria in endodontic disease that is associated inflammation in the periapical tissues. The goal of the microbiological analysis of samples from root canals) was to improve the clinical management of pulp-periapical infections. Specifically, the investigators sought to determine the prevalence of Enterococcus faecalis in samples from endodontic patients and its susceptibility profile to ampicillin, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin and vancomycin. Data for this observational-descriptive study was collected via probabilistic sampling from patients undergoing endodontic treatment at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Los Andes (ULA). Thirty-two (32) samples obtained from root canals were analyzed in the Roberto Gabaldon laboratory at the Faculty of Pharmacy and Bioanalysis, ULA. The recovered strains of Enterococcus faecalis were then tested to determine resistance profile. The results showed a 12.5% prevalence of E. faecalis, with an observed high resistance to ciprofloxacin but susceptibility to vancomycin. The results indicate that indiscriminate or improper use of these agents may cause complications in patients due to antimicrobial-resistant strains of Enterococcus faecalis that may compromise the efficacy of endodontic treatment.