Study of Anaerobic Bacteria in Dental Abscess in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Majority of anaerobes involved in dental infections are thought to be endogenous in origin. Due to breech of continuity of pulp chamber bacterial colonization occurs. Responsible pathogens are polymicrobial. If left untreated in early stages, it can act as foci of disseminated infections and spread rapidly to adjacent structures leading to life threatening conditions. Aims: The present study was undertaken to identify different anaerobic organisms and their association with risk factors. Methods: 40 pus samples were collected after mouth wash from patients presented with dental abscess. Samples were processed immediately for aerobic and anaerobic culture. After comparing with the aerobic culture, obligate anaerobes were checked for aero tolerance. Subculture done for identification of species by Gram stain, colony morphology and conventional biochemical tests. Final identification was done by Vitek 2 system. Results: 40 (100%) samples were culture positive. Total 60 bacterial isolates recovered from this 40 samples. Out of which aerobes 36 (60%) and anaerobes 24 (40%) isolated. Aerobes present in 18 (45%), anaerobes present in 12 (30%) cases and mixed aerobic and anaerobic flora in 10 (25 %) cases. Predominant isolates were anaerobic cocci, Peptostreptococcus micros (41.6%) followed by Peptostreptococcus anaerobios (25%).Diabetes mellitus, bad chewing habits, poor oral hygiene found as significant risk factors. Conclusion: This study highlights polymicrobial nature of infections and role of anaerobes play as pathogens. Early diagnosis and interventions are extremely important to prevent systemic complications. One should have a high index of suspicion of anaerobes while dealing with dental infections.