Evaluation of microflora of root carious lesions in different age groups: A microbiological study

Aim: To evaluate the prevalence of mutans streptococci, lactobacilli and Actinomyces species in root carious lesions in middle-aged and older adults of South Indian population and to comparatively evaluate the microbial count in two different age groups. Materials and Methods: Specimens of root carious lesions were collected from 60 adults for bacteriological studies. Amongst which 28 subjects belonged to middle age group (35-44 years) and 32 subjects to older age group (55-75 years). Standard procedures of culture, isolation and identification of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria were adopted in the study. Results: The analysis of results was performed using Chi-square test. SPSS 20 has been used to analyze the data. Among the isolated microorganisms, streptococci (56.7%) and lactobacilli (28.3%) were more prevalent in root caries lesions compared to actinomyces species (15.0%) and most frequently occurred in older adults. There is also a statistically significant association between the age group and the presence of lactobacillus (P=0.024). Conclusions: Aerobic Gram-positive cocci (Streptococcus mutans, lactobacillus) as well as anaerobic bacteria (Actinomyces spp.), occurred most frequently in root carious lesions in older adults as compared to middle-aged population.