IMPACT OF PEPTOSTREPTOCOCCUS ON TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS RELATED SECONDARY ROOT CANAL INFECTIONS

Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of Peptostreptococcus on type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with secondary root canal infections by evaluating the prevalence of this bacterial species using culture and PCR technique and to correlate their association with specific endodontic signs and symptoms in Indian population.

Materials and method: 88 subjects scheduled for root canal retreatment were divided into two groups comprising of 44 subjects with history of type 2 diabetes mellitus (group1) and 44 non-diabetic subjects as control (group 2). Root canal samples were collected as per Moller’s criteria using sterile paper points. The prevalence of Peptostreptococcus in secondary root canal infections was analysed using advanced culture technique and species-specific PCR technique. Statistical analysis was done using Student unpaired T test and Pearson’s Chi-Square test.

RESULTS: In group1, Peptostreptococcus was detected in 52.2% and 54.5%, in contrast group2 was associated with 27.3% and 31.8% of Peptostreptococcus using culture and PCR respectively, with statistically significant association of Peptostreptococcus with type 2 diabetes mellitus (p=0.014). There was strong association between pain and Peptostreptococcus in type 2 diabetic patients (p=0.012) as well as in non-diabetics (p=0.048). No statistically significant difference was observed in the detection of Peptostreptococcus using culture and PCR technique.

CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated that Peptostreptococcus has an impact in modulating the inflammatory and immunologic responses in secondary root canal infections in type2 diabetic patients. Hence, pharmacotherapy for effective elimination of this potentially pathogenic microorganism can have a beneficial effect on the prognosis of root canal retreatments.