Fig. 3

Detection of H. pylori from inflamed pulp specimens using single and nested PCR assays. Representative results using inflamed pulp specimens with (a) single and (b) second step PCR. Lanes 1 through 13 are specimens collected from 13 different individuals; P, H. pylori strains 26,695 (positive control); N, sterile water. M, molecular size marker (100 bp DNA ladder). c Comparison of the detection rates of H. pylori from inflamed pulp specimens using single and second step PCR. d Detection rates of H. pylori in the second sampling from root canal specimens. The groups were categorized as H. pylori-positive or -negative in the first sampling. Comparison of the detection rates of H. pylori from specimens obtained from dental caries verses those from trauma (e) or in comparison between specimens obtained from primary teeth versus permanent teeth (f). Significant differences were determined using Bonferroni’s method after ANOVA (***P < 0.001)