H. Peltroche-llacsahuanga et al., Investigation of infectious organisms causing pericoronitis of the mandibular third molar, J ORAL MAX, 58(6), 2000, pp. 611-616
Purpose: The purpose of the study was to identify the most frequently encou
ntered pyogenic organisms involved in pericoronitis to permit more targeted
antibiotic therapy.
Patients and Methods: Pericoronal pockets of mandibular third molars from 3
7 patients showing symptoms of acute, severe pericoronitis were sampled and
subjected to microbiologic analysis, including primary evaluation by phase
-contrast microscopy. To avoid overgrowth with faster-growing, less fastidi
ous organisms, specimens were cultured on a wide variety of selective media
(supporting growth of fastidious bacteria, protozoa, and fungi).
Results: Microscopic examination indicated spirochetes in 55% and fusiform
bacteria in 84% of the samples, A total of 441 microorganisms were isolated
and identified from the 37 cultured samples. Besides obligate anaerobic ba
cteria, including various Actinomyces and Prevotella species, a predominant
ly facultative anaerobic microflora was cultivated, that is, Streptococcus
milleri group (78% of samples), Stomatococcus mucilaginosus (71%), and Roth
ia dentocariosa (57%).
Conclusion: It was concluded that the Streptococci milleri group bacteria,
well-known for their ability to cause suppurative infections, are most like
ly involved in the pathogenesis of acute severe pericoronitis of the lower
third molar. (C) 2000 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeo
ns.