Enterococcus faecalis in secondary apical periodontitis: Mechanisms of bacterial survival and disease persistence

Mohamed M Elashiry; Brian E Bergeron; Franklin R Tay

doi:10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106337

Enterococcus faecalis in secondary apical periodontitis: Mechanisms of bacterial survival and disease persistence

Microb Pathog. 2023 Oct:183:106337. doi: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106337. Epub 2023 Sep 6.

Authors

Mohamed M Elashiry¹, Brian E Bergeron², Franklin R Tay²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Endodontics, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Georgia, USA; Department of Endodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt. Electronic address: moelashiry@augusta.edu.
² Department of Endodontics, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Georgia, USA.

PMID: 37683835
DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106337

Abstract

Enterococcus faecalis is a commensal bacterium commonly found in the human gastrointestinal tract. However, in individuals with compromised immune systems, the pathogen can lead to severe illness. This opportunistic pathogen is associated with secondary apical diseases and is adept at resisting antibiotics and other forms of treatment because of its numerous virulence factors. Enterococcus faecalis is capable of disrupting the normal functions of immune cells, thereby hindering the body's ability to eradicate the infection. However, intensive research is needed in further understanding the adverse immunomodulatory effects of E. faecalis. Potential strategies specific for eradicating E. faecalis have proven beneficial in the treatment of persistent secondary apical periodontitis.

Keywords: Apical periodontitis; Bacterial persistence; Enterococcus faecalis; Immune cells; Virulence factors.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
Bacteria
Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions*
Enterococcus faecalis
Humans
Periapical Periodontitis*

Substances

Anti-Bacterial Agents