Detection of Coxiella burnetii DNA in dental pulp during experimental bacteremia

Colonization of dental pulp by blood-borne bacteria in the absence of previ ous inflammation has been hypothetized but has never been convincingly demo nstrated. In order to provide convincing support for this hypothesis we att empted to detect Coxiella burnetii DNA in the dental pulp of bacteremic, in traperitoneally inoculated guinea-pigs by PCR amplification and direct sequ encing of two molecular targets. Coxiella burnetii DNA was recovered from 2 0-50% of the animals depending on the molecular target, from 15-20 days aft er experimental challenge. These results demonstrated, for the first time, that dental pulp is contaminated by blood-borne bacteria and can be detecte d by molecular tools. (C) 2000 Academic Press.