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Enterococcus faecalis in Endodontic Infections: The Ultimate Survivor

Manuja Nair, Rahul J, Devadathan A and Josey Mathew

Enterococcus faecalis, a Gram positive facultative anaerobe is most commonly associated with failed endodontic treatment. Prevalence of E. faecalis is very high in asymptomatic, persistent endodontic infections. It plays a vital role in causing persistent periradicular lesions. It is one of most antibiotic resistant type of bacteria. It can tolerate and survive in extreme conditions. It competes with other microbes for survival, forms biofilm, invades dentinal tubules and possess virulence factors which contribute to its survival. This article highlights the unique characteristics of Enterococcus faecalis, its virulence factors, resistance to medicaments that enable them to survive in root canals and current effective treatment modalities for eliminating E. faecalis from the root canal system.