Microbiological Characteristics of Bacteroidesspp. in the Composition of Endodontic Infections

Anaerobic non-spore-forming gram-negative bacteria colonize the human body by a large number, their primary function being to stabilize the normal resident microbiota. They prevent colonization by pathogenic microorganisms from exogenous sources, participate in the digestion of food and stimulate host immunity. These microorganisms are primarily opportunistic pathogens involved in endogenous infections, usually in polymicrobial associations of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. About 10 – 12 strains of anaerobic bacteria are most commonly isolated from infected root canals and associated with apical periodontitis (Bacteroides, Prevotella, Porphyromonas, Fusobacterium, Veillonella). In this review are presented the microbiological characteristics of anaerobic gram-negative, non-spore forming bacteria of the genus Bacteroides that are commonly isolated in endodontic studies.