Endodontic Microbiome of Fractured Non-vital Teeth in Dogs Determined by 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing

Abstract

Dental fractures resulting in pulp exposure will lead to an endodontic infection with microbes from the oral cavity. However, data on the endodontic microbial composition in veterinary dentistry is lacking. The aim of this study was to examine the microbiome of naturally occurring primary endodontic infections in client-owned dogs. The endodontic microbiome of 10 non-vital teeth with exposed pulp cavities was assessed using a 16S rRNA gene sequencing approach. The results were compared to the microbiome of the subgingival plaque of the same teeth. Analysis revealed an abundant mixed microflora of a comparable richness and diversity and with mostly the same phyla obtained from sulcal and endodontic samples. However, further analysis revealed significant differences between sulcal and endodontic samples in the relative abundance of the most abundant phyla and genera, with the relative abundance of Bacteriodetes being significantly higher in endodontic samples. Although each sample presented a particular profile regarding the genera identified, Bacteroides was the most abundant genus in the endodontic samples. Snowella was also significantly more abundant in endodontic samples, while Porphyromonas and Fusobacterium were significantly more abundant in sulcal samples. We confirmed that the microbiome of the diseased endodontic system is comparably abundant with microorganisms to the healthy subgingival plaque indicating that previous culture-based studies of primary endodontic infections in dogs underestimated the richness and diversity of the endodontic microbiota.

Enhanced Eradication of Bacterial/Fungi Biofilms by Glucose Oxidase-Modified Magnetic Nanoparticles as a Potential Treatment for Persistent Endodontic Infections

“…Endodontic infections are the most frequent clinical lesions in the oral cavity, resulting in pain, swelling, pulpitis or apical periodontitis, and even root resorption. − It was demonstrated that pathogenic microorganisms introduced by caries-induced breaches, dental surgical procedures, or trauma-induced cracks and fractures, led to the occurrence of endodontic infections. − Particularly, biofilm-mediated infections play a critical role in the development of persistent endodontic infections (PEIs). − As reported, Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) has been found to be more prevalent in PEIs than other bacteria .…”

Maternal microbiome during pregnancy and their impact on the canine microbiome in neonates

“…The microbiome of the diseased endodontic system was found to have a comparable abundance of the same microorganisms as healthy subgingival plaque. Bacteroides and Snowella were the most abundant genera in the endodontic samples, while Porphyromonas and Fusobacterium were significantly more abundant in subgingival plaque (Rodrigues et al, 2019). An altered oral microbiome could have an impact on neonatal outcomes, since pregnant women and women with periodontal disease having higher levels of pathogenic bacteria in the mouth had an increased chance of negative neonatal and maternal outcomes.…”

The fascinating microbes and their impact on neonatal dogs and cats – A review

“…Metagenomic studies are great for providing information about the healthy oral, intestinal, vaginal and placental microbiome. However, detection of bacterial DNA from the amnion and meconium by PCR does not necessarily mean that culturable bacteria are present in these fetal samples (Rodrigues et al, 2019). Studies in humans and livestock have shown that prenatal transmission of microbes to the fetus is possible, but there is no direct evidence of bacterial transmission in utero.…”