Molecular Characterisation of Bacteria Associated with Dental Infections in Jos, Nigeria

Purpose: This study aims to molecularly characterise the bacteria responsible for dental infections by identifying key bacterial taxa, clarifying their genetic pathogenicity determinants, and assessing the prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes. Design/Methodology/Approach: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 120 patients presenting with clinically diagnosed dental infections. Clinical specimens were collected aseptically and cultured using standard microbiological techniques under appropriate laboratory conditions. Bacterial isolates were identified using conventional biochemical methods, followed by genomic DNA extraction and 16S rRNA gene amplification for molecular identification. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect the mecA resistance gene in selected Staphylococcus isolates. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method in accordance with Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the data, while inferential statistics were employed to determine associations between variables at a significance level of p < 0.05. Research Limitation: The study used a relatively small sample from a single centre, which may not represent resistance patterns in the wider population. Findings: Results showed that anaerobic Gram-negative rods, particularly Porphyromonas, Prevotella, and Fusobacterium, along with facultative anaerobes like Streptococcus mutans and Enterococcus faecalis, dominated the analysis. Many isolates carried virulence factors, indicating their role in immune evasion and tissue invasion. A high prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes was detected, suggesting potential treatment failure with commonly prescribed antibiotics. Some isolates exhibited multidrug resistance, highlighting the need for routine molecular diagnostics and tailored antimicrobial therapies in dental care. Practical Implications: The findings underscore the importance of integrating molecular diagnostic techniques with conventional microbiological methods to improve the accurate identification of bacterial pathogens and support evidence-based antimicrobial therapy in the management of dental infections. Social Implications: Enhanced surveillance of bacterial pathogens and antimicrobial resistance associated with dental infections will contribute to improved oral healthcare delivery, strengthen antimicrobial stewardship programs, and reduce the burden of treatment failure and antibiotic resistance within the community. Originality/Value: This study provides valuable baseline data on the bacterial diversity, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, and molecular characteristics of bacteria associated with dental infections in Jos Metropolis, Nigeria. The findings contribute to the limited molecular epidemiological data available from the region and provide evidence to support improved diagnosis, treatment, and antimicrobial resistance monitoring in dental practice.