The bacterial phylum Synergistetes consists of Gram-negative anaerobes. Oral Synergistetes are divided in two main clusters, namely A and B. Increasing evidence demonstrates their involvement in etiology of oral infections, including apical periodontitis. This condition causes bone loss around the apex of the tooth, subsequent to pulp inflammation (pulpitis). Although the presence of Synergistetes has been confirmed in endodontic infections by molecular methods, these have not been morphologically identified in the affected apical region, and their prevalence among different endodontic infections has not been determined. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence, levels and morphology of oral Synergistetes clusters A and B, in apical root canal samples obtained of teeth with irreversible pulpitis, pulp necrosis and apical periodontitis, or previously root-filled teeth with apical periodontitis. For their detection, fluorescence in situ hybridization and epifluorescence microscopy were used. Synergistetes cluster A was not detected in pulpitis, but was found in both apical periodontitis groups, more frequently and at higher ranges in teeth which were previously root filled. Microscopically, they appeared as straight or slightly curved long rods. Synergistetes cluster B was not detected in any of the cases. Fusobacteria and Actinomyces, which are well-established taxa in endodontic infections, were detected more frequently and at higher ranges than Synergistetes. In conclusion, Synergistetes cluster A constitutes part of the mixed apical microbiota in apical periodontitis, and may be involved in its pathogenesis. and epifluorescence microscopy were used. Synergistetes cluster A was not detected in pulpitis, but was found in both apical periodontitis groups, more frequently and at higher ranges in teeth which were previously root filled. Microscopically, they appeared as straight or slightly curved long rods. Synergistetes cluster B was not detected in any of the cases. Fusobacteria and Actinomyces, which are wellestablished taxa in endodontic infections, were detected more frequently and at higher ranges than Synergistetes. In conclusion, Synergstetes cluster A constitutes part of the mixed apical microbiota in apical periodontitis, and may be involved in its pathogenesis.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2025 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.