Microorganismos asociados a infecciones endodonticas: factores de virulencia, resistencia y persistencia

Jeannette Navarrete Ospina; Paula Valentina Barrera D; Sandra Elizabeth Aguilera Rojas; Claudia Andrea Cruz Baquero; Paola Andrea Santos Ruiz

doi:10.22490/24629448.10566

Vol. 24 No. 46 (2026): 1

Published 2022-12-01

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Article of Review (before OJS)

Microorganisms associated with endodontic infections: virulence, resistance and persistence factors

DOI: https://doi.org/10.22490/24629448.10566

Jeannette Navarrete Ospina Universidad Colegio Mayor de Cundinamarca

Paula Valentina Barrera D Universidad Colegio Mayor de Cundinamarca

Sandra Elizabeth Aguilera Rojas Institución Universitaria Colegios de Colombia

Claudia Andrea Cruz Baquero Universidad Colegio Mayor de Cundinamarca

Paola Andrea Santos Ruiz Universidad Colegio Mayor de Cundinamarca

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Abstract
References

Introduction. Endodontic root canal infections, caused by microbial colonization following pulp necrosis, are common pathologies caused by bacteria, fungi, archaea, and viruses. However, little is known about the virulence, resistance, and persistence factors of these biological agents. Objective. To analyze the microbiological aspects of virulence, resistance, and persistence of the agents involved in endodontic infections. Methodology. Systematic review of articles on endodontic infections, microorganisms involved, and characteristics of virulence, resistance, and persistence. Results. Among the microorganisms responsible for primary infections are Fusobacterium nucleatum, Campylobacter rectus, Tannerella forsythia, Prevotella spp., Porphyromonas spp., and Treponema spp. Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Peptostreptococcus, and Actinomyces are notable among secondary infections. In Colombia, the prevalence of endodontic periodontitis is 51.6%, with a higher frequency in women. Molecular diagnostics have proven advantageous in the early detection of pathogens, with pyrosequencing being the most efficient test compared to traditional methodologies. Conclusion. The increase in antimicrobial resistance and biofilm formation in root canals raises the need for therapeutic alternatives. In this context, antimicrobial peptides emerge as a promising option due to their antimicrobial and anti-biofilm effect, contributing to the containment of bacterial resistance. Likewise, microrobotics offers potential support in the removal of biofilms in root canals. This review constitutes a relevant contribution to future research and the development of new intervention strategies in this disciplinary field.

keywords: endodontic infections, biofilm, virulence, bacterial persistence

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Navarrete Ospina, J., Barrera D, P. V., Aguilera Rojas, S. E., Cruz Baquero , C. A., & Santos Ruiz, P. A. (2022). Microorganisms associated with endodontic infections: virulence, resistance and persistence factors. NOVA Biomedical Sciences Journal, 24(46), 179-201. https://doi.org/10.22490/24629448.10566

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Microorganisms associated with endodontic infections: virulence, resistance and persistence factors

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