Antibiotic susceptibility of bacteria detected from the root canal exudateof persistent apical periodontitis

Intracanal exudates in persistent endodontic cases were sampled for detecti ng bacteria using a preculture method, and the antibiotic susceptibility of the bacteria identified was examined, Twelve species were recovered from 1 5 cases. The species most commonly detected were alpha-Streptococcus and En terococcus, The results of the antibiotic susceptibility tests revealed tha t Enterococcus was highly resistant to antibiotics tested, especially to ce phalosporin products, Enterococcus is known as one of the bacteria that sho w multidrug resistance. In cases of prolonged endodontic treatment, a speci fic antibiotic prescription would play an important role for efficient trea tment. Collecting data about antibiotic susceptibility could be helpful. Id entification, however, take similar to 2 wk and a further study to develop the method that rapidly informs us about the antibiotic susceptibility that might be needed.