Virulence genes, antibiotic resistance and capsule locus polymorphisms in enterococcus faecalis isolated from canals of root-filled teeth with periapical lesions

Abstract

Frequent isolation of Enterococcus faecalis from root canal treated teeth with apical periodontitis, has proposed the role of this organism in endodontic treatment failures. Different factors have been suggested in the pathogenicity of this organism. In this study, 22 E. faecalis isolates from canals of root-filled teeth were identified, and phenotypic and genotypic characteristics were investigated. No resistance to vancomycin and gentamicin was noted, and most isolates (91%) were susceptible to ampicillin. Biofilm formation was detected in 73% of the isolates and may be considered as the most important virulence factor involved in the pathogenesis of these isolates.