An effective identification technique is a requirement for the specific detection of microbes. The diagnostic tests in endodontics for the identification are carried out by utilising the conventional culture techniques. These conventional cultivation techniques are costly and time consuming. The detection is not very specific, which is an obstacle in identifying the main causes of a disease. Molecular detection techniques provide an alternative for culture techniques. Molecular detection techniques are much more accurate and specifically identify the microbes in short time. Most of the microbial phyla are only identified by this technique. This technique has identified microbes that still need to be cultivated. The aim of the project was to devise an efficient molecular detection technique for the detection and identification of the causative agents of the root canal treatment failure. The current molecular detection technique was based on the detection of E.faecalis in root canal re-treatment cases. An efficient DNA extraction technique was conceived and PCR conditions were optimised for the detection and identification of E.faecalis.

Sadiq Akbar. MSc Biotechnology. University of Abertay Dundee, UK. Research project: Infection and Immunity Unit, Glasgow Dental School and Hospital, University of Glasgow. Bachelor of Biotechnology(4years). Center of Biotechnology, University of Peshawar, Pakistan.