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Enterococcus faecalis in Oral Infections

2015; OMICS Publishing Group; Volume: 03; Issue: 01 Linguagem: Inglês

10.4172/2376-032x.1000160

2376-032X

Pinheiro ET Mayer MPA,

Dental Radiography and Imaging

Enterococcus faecalis is a member of the normal microbiota; however, multidrug-resistant strains are important causes of nosocomial infections. Their ability to cause serious infections has been linked to variable traits that enhance their virulence. In the oral cavity, E. faecalis is commonly detected from root canals of teeth with post-treatment apical periodontitis or refractory/advanced marginal periodontitis. Isolates from oral infections have a genetic and virulence profile different from hospital-derived isolates. This Review discusses the occurrence of E. faecalis in oral infections, and the virulence factors that may contribute to the pathogenesis of post-treatment apical and marginal periodontitis. The susceptibility patterns of oral E. faecalis to various antibiotics of potential use in periodontal and endodontic therapy are also reviewed.