Presence of Candida albicans in primary endodontic infection and assessing its susceptibility to common root canal medicaments -A PCR based study.

Dr. Namrata Jain; Dr. B.V Sreenivasa Murthy; Dr. Beena; Dr. Sylvia Mathew

Volume : IX, Issue : VI, June - 2020

Presence of Candida albicans in primary endodontic infection and assessing its susceptibility to common root canal medicaments -A PCR based study.

Dr. Namrata Jain, Dr. B. V Sreenivasa Murthy, Dr. Beena, Dr. Sylvia Mathew

Abstract :

Background: Microbial infection of the dental pulp and the periapical area, often sequelae of dental caries is the most common prelude to endodontic treatment. Successful endodontic therapy depends upon the reduction or elimination of these microorganisms and there should be knowledge about the role of specific species involved. Aim: To assess the presence of Candida albicans from primary endodontic infection using polymerase chain reaction and evaluate its susceptibility to common root canal medicaments. Methodology: Thirty–five root canal samples from primary endodontic infections were collected using file and paper points following disinfection protocol. Samples were inoculated in Sabouraud Dextrose Agar and incubated for 2–3 days. Taxonomy was evaluated using Gram–staining and germ tube test by macroscopic examination and optical microscopy. The growth was subjected to polymerase chain reaction. The positive samples were assessed for susceptibility to Calcium Hydroxide and 2% Chlorhexidine using Agar Diffusion test. Statistical Analysis used: ANOVA using SPSS version 20.0 Results: Out of thirty–five samples only one was positive for Candida albicans, four were positive for polymerase chain reaction. When susceptibility of Candida albicans to intracanal medicaments was assessed, Calcium Hydroxide showed larger zone of inhibition compared to 2% Chlorhexidine. Conclusion: Prevalence of Candida albicans in primary endodontic infection in this study was 11.4% using polymerase chain reaction. Calcium Hydroxide produced larger inhibition zone than Chlorhexidine against Candida albicans. Further researches utilizing modern molecular diagnostics and disinfection protocols needed for managing root canal infections.